Diagnosed at 18 as a Personal Trainer

Options
jack_07
jack_07 Member Posts: 1
in Living with arthritis

Hi, my name is Jack and I am a full time personal trainer, I have struggled with inflammation and joint issues since 16 now and have always hoped for the best. For example “Oh it is tendinitis it will go away” it was only til the last few weeks that I realised it was permanent, it was arthritis and I have to live with this. I love the gym and I love sports and this is massively affecting my mental health. Every day is a struggle, some days I can’t walk around the shop (5min walk) other days not so bad. I hope this forum will help me find other people who have a similar experience with being diagnosed so young. What on earth will I be like when i’m 30, let alone 50,70,80… I am on codeine and hydroxychloroquine.

Comments

  • Missdaisy
    Missdaisy Member Posts: 1

    Bless you ,I feel for you.I'm 76 and have just developed rhumatoid arthritis in the past three months .Every day is agony but I guess at my age you have to expect these things .Hope you get the help you need.

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,197

    Hi @jack_07 and welcome to the online community,

    It’s great that you’ve made the move to find others in your situation - there are a lot of young people in the group who live with arthritis, and it makes so much difference to share experiences and help support each other. Just recently, @seeess and @Phillygirl93, both young people, joined us. Perhaps the three of you could start a conversation?

    I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 19. I’m a lot older than that now, but if it’s any help to know, yes, it did change my life a bit, but I still was able to go to university, have a great career, marry, have two daughters, and RA hasn’t stopped me from enjoying hiking in the Lake District or attending music gigs all over Europe. It sounds like your medication hasn’t quite been sorted yet - it can take a while before the right mix is found- but I’m sure when it is sorted, you’ll be able to start enjoying life again and looking forward to the future.

    I hope you find friends here online - do let us know how you’re getting on.

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,197

    Hi @Missdaisy , welcome to the online community to you too.

    A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be overwhelming at any age, especially when you’re in pain. But you really don’t have to expect to live in pain - there are so many new treatments that one will surely suit you. I don’t know what medication you’re on at the moment, but some of them can take a while to kick in, and sometimes they’re just not suitable and you’ll try something else. Do talk to your medical professional if the pain continues - you don’t have to put up with it.

    I’ve found that exercise really helps manage the pain. There’s some good videos on the Versus Arthritis website - I’ve linked to one below - that you might find helpful. You can start really gently and see how you get on.

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/lets-move-with-leon/

    Do have a look round the forum and join in any conversations where you feel comfortable.

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


Categories