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A learning curve – Ema
This is a story of realisation and a learning curve, not a story of pity.
I am a 34 and have a 12-year-old daughter. From the age of about 15 I was in pain but did not really know why.
I studied dance and fine art at university. I was a dancer and had a very promising career in contemporary dance. After I graduated I got married and started a family. Having a child put unreal pressure on my body.
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 24, two years after I got married. My husband at that time did not know how to deal with the condition, so he ignored it. I think that if you cannot see something you ignore it. I felt ignored.
I have had various treatments including acupuncture, TENS therapy and surgery. My arthritis has gone through a variety of stages, where I have dealt with or coped with the condition. I find the hardest thing is to accept what I can do. I don’t dance anymore, but I use other skills like painting. I manage the condition.
I plan my days to a certain extent. Sometimes I am well and sometimes I am not – I make back-up plans. The past 18 years have been a roller coaster of emotions.
Now I work from home and do what I can, and only that. I have learnt to be patient and am still learning.
