Support group eases pain of arthritis patients

Dubai: Arthritis patients have welcomed a series of gatherings that lets them share tips on coping with their condition.

About 50 people attended the first of three support programme sessions where they were given advice on topics such as reducing the strain on their joints and conserving energy.

Once the three gatherings are over, organisers plan to hold regular support group meetings where those with arthritis can talk about their experiences.

The gathering this week was organised by Emirates Arthritis Foundation, which was launched in April by Dubai Bone and Joint Centre under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, Wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Most of those attending had rheumatoid arthritis although there were also friends and family members of sufferers and some people with osteoarthritis.

Among the topics covered were how to manage daily activities and dealing with emotional issues related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Claire Townsend, 40, a British interior designer who was diagnosed with the condition four years ago, said the meeting allowed her the time to ask questions she would not be able to pose to her doctor.

"You can go on the internet and frighten the life out of yourself or you can ask your doctor who is in a hurry. At something like this you can ask every little question you want to ask.

"It's good to speak to other people who feel the same as you. Having a sounding board is great," she said.

Indian Shilpa Gulati, 30, who had to give up work as a graphic designer because of her condition, said she had learned a lot of useful information at the session.

"You feel at last that you're not the only one that's suffered," she said.

Occupational therapist and EAF coordinator Kathryn Ronalds, who is running the sessions, which are sponsored by Wyeth, said: "It's important in this region to have something like this because there many people with rheumatoid arthritis and they can learn a lot from each other.

"We hope to roll out these sessions into a support group. People can make connections with each other during these educational evenings and then we can launch the support group on the back of it."

The second of the three meetings takes place at the Fairmont Hotel on September 12 at 7pm. Subjects under discussion will include nutrition and exercise. Admission is free.

Coping with the condition

Among the advice given to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers:

- Use light-weight objects such as dishes made from plastic

- Keep inexpensive items such as cleaning supplies in every part of the house where they are used. This cuts the need to walk round the house, reducing fatigue

- Push levers with your whole hand not just a finger as this distributes the load over a stronger joint

- Use assistance devices such as large key chain holders to get into the house or car