World Arthritis Day 2023

World Arthritis Day (WAD) is a global awareness day aimed towards increasing knowledge of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) among all audiences.

Ryan, one of our Energy Advisors, shared his story with us:
"I suffered from ‘back pain‘ and sciatica in my mid-20s, and it was only a conversation with my Dad that made me have a test for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Up until this point, my life was pretty miserable. I struggled to keep hold of a job, and my mental health was suffering due to the pain and fatigue.

Once diagnosed, I had five years of trying many medications, and none really helped me until my amazing rheumatologist finally got me on a medication that worked for me. It changed my life, and I have coped much better over the last ten years.

I still hurt and need pain medication to manage my day-to-day life/work balance, but I am able to do most of the things I’d like to do. I did have to give up sports and roller coasters, but I’m thankful for being this flexible at 47 because, at one point, I honestly didn’t think I would be.

Three years ago, I fractured my L1/L2 vertebrae, and I was told I have osteoporosis. The doctor said my back was so bad there was no chart for men going up to that scale of disease. I was put on a daily medication, and I’m almost at the end of the treatment program, and thankfully my bone density is almost back to normal.

I have been very fortunate to have an amazing Rheumatologist, and thanks to finding and keeping a positive outlook and not taking myself too seriously, I’m back working full-time and enjoying my time off to the max!"

More about World Arthritis Day: https://www.eular.org/world-arthritis-day-2023

Published: 12/10/2023