Testimonials

Stuart of Norfolk says:

I am a 66 year-old, time-served ex-RAF serviceman and a qualified private pilot who had always been a fit, active sportsman. I enjoyed walking the dog, long rambles and walking holidays abroad.

Earlier this year, I became uncomfortable when sitting or standing for long periods. I was diagnosed with both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. My physical and mental conditions deteriorated. I was put on medication for the physical pain but began feeling self-centred and sorry for myself.

Then I applied to join a ‘Challenge Arthritis’ course, for which I am now very thankful. The tutors Chris and Caroline both have arthritis and their empathy was evident. The course was attended by others with like ailments, pain, despair and frustration that no-one seemed to understand.

Through a combination of the detailed course content - including diet, exercise, structured action planning - and our group discussions, our negative futures turned around to become positive, forward-looking attitudes. The course gave us a better understanding of it, plus tools to help us 'self-manage' our conditions. We no longer feel alone with our problems.

My situation has improved far beyond expectation. From being frightened, self-centred and virtually house-bound, I now walk the dog again, can manage a 4 mile walk, fly light aircraft, sit for longer and travel further without too much discomfort.

'This is something I never thought I would have the confidence to do'

A local Arthritis Care group has been set up in Kings Lynn by a main core of us who went on the Challenging Arthritis course.  We feel we are a group of friends who are very strong and who all hopefully help one another, only a phone call away.

I am deaf and have a hearing dog, who is my life and my ears. Recently a branch has opened, fundraising for hearing dogs, where we talk about our dogs to members of the public and get involved in raising funds.  I am thinking of going on to give talks about hearing dogs to the public. This is something I never thought I would have the confidence to do.

‘I don’t think I shall ever feel so desperately disabled again’

‘Having just finished filling in the post-course questionnaire I begin to realise how much I have learned from you in only a few weeks. The experience of meetings others with such a variety of problems is in itself instructive, but the way you have gently guided us into a position where we can take control of our lives is quite remarkable.

I can see that the course has been developed over a very long period of time using iterative feedback from hundreds of thousands of actual people and experts in the field. This comprehensive work along, however, could never reach out so effectively without the structured lesson-plans that you have so effectively delivered to us in the classroom.

Having understood the action plan concept, I don’t think I shall ever be able to slip back into the self-delusion that I am helpless in the face of any problem again.

The simple breathing and visualisation exercises have been effective for me and I have found it possible to really relax my bodily tensions. You should know that I have tried all sorts of meditation and yogic breathing exercises in the past to no avail.

Getting back into gentle but effective exercise has improved my physical health already and I no longer feel so physically feeble and weak. The whole idea that I am able to improve my health by such simple means gives me the self-confidence to say that I don’t think I shall ever feel so desperately disabled again.’

‘Challenging Arthritis was a turning point in my life’

‘I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was sixteen. The first symptoms were painful, hot thumbs, this gradually spread throughout all of my joints. Years of hospital appointments, trial and error with various medications, culminated in my first joint replacement at the age of 39. For many years I was completely in the dark and very frightened about what was happening to my body. Any information for a patient was often very difficult to come by.

In 2003, I saw an advert for a Challenging Arthritis course. This was a turning point in my life. Going on the course enabled me to meet other people who had exactly the same pain and problems that I had been living with for so many years. After the course I was asked to become a training volunteer – I had got so much out of the course that I was very happy to spread the good news and started my training immediately.

The Challenging Arthritis courses are delivered by specially trained volunteers who all have arthritis themselves, therefore they have great empathy with the participants.

The rewards of being a training volunteer are overwhelming, I have witnessed the transformation of men and women who at week one have low self-esteem and are pessimistic about their arthritis, but by week six have become confident self-managers. A lot of the participants become friends and swap tips on how to overcome certain problems.

Challenging Arthritis has given me and those who have attended the courses, a new lease of life. We no longer fear the condition and most of all we are left with the knowledge and information to give us a positive outlook on life.’

‘For the first time I felt I was among people who could really understand’

‘I attended a six-week Challenging Arthritis course in June 2005. I must admit that when I went along to the first meeting I wondered what there could possibly be to talk about for two and a half hours every week for six weeks, thinking it would be a group of people complaining about their aches and pains. How wrong I was.

The course was run by three very inspiring trainers who had arthritis themselves, so they could empathise with us all. The course was very well structured and there was a great rapport between the leaders and participants. Action plans to challenge our arthritis were made each week and this motivated us to try out new suggestions and aims made in class by the following week. There was also an opportunity to discuss our individual situations and to hear how others were coping and managing their arthritis.

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years and for the first time I felt I was among people who could really understand and empathise with me. When the course ended we decided to keep in touch and continue to support each other. We now meet every eight weeks for lunch or afternoon tea and phone each other in between to swap tips, news and generally cheer each other up. Usually one or two of the lovely, very supportive course leaders come along too. We are a friendly bunch and really look forward to our meetings.

I would recommend the course to anyone given the opportunity or contemplating going on it. It has helped me enormously. Not only have I made some good friends, but I understand so much more about arthritis and how to deal with it.’

'The course brought me to realise what my main problem is'

Thank you so much for this course. At first I felt I was not in an appropriate class, but soon realised that my underlying problem was depression. Due to this I have struggled to comply with routine and exercise. Keeping myself busy has apparently been my main problem.

After nursing for 20 years, coping with caring for many sick family members and many bereavements over the last 5 years, plus having to give up my job, which also a cost divorce, I have suffered mentally. The course brought me to realise what my main problem is. It has shown me the way forward and I’m now at last being offered help to pursue all I have learnt in this valuable group.

Now I know it is my turn to take time for me and after my upcoming surgery, I will be ‘following’ this course again at home with the help of the arthritis self management helpbook – which I wish I’d had a long time ago. I cannot thank the course leaders enough, and the group for all the advice and support. I am sure I thought I was indestructible and know now I have never paced myself, until I am physically and mentally exhausted. I’m looking forward to recovering and moving on – thank you so much.

‘I very nearly didn’t go, but I’m so glad I did’

‘I had been struggling to cope with my rheumatoid arthritis for 16 years. My children are now getting older and less dependant. So I started thinking about going back to work. But what job could I do with my arthritis? I felt I could never be classed as reliable because I have my good days but a lot of bad days too. I applied for a few jobs but didn't get anywhere.

Then I saw a notice in my local paper asking “have you got arthritis? do you want to go back to work?”. I rang the number given straight away as I knew if I didn't I wouldn't bother at all.

When I was given the date to start the Preparing for Work course I was really nervous – I very nearly didn't go but I am so glad I did. John and Lesley, our leaders made us all feel so welcome. As a group, we were all different ages, but we all just clicked really well. It was so nice to be able to spend time with people who are suffering just like me.

The first six weeks of the course were spent learning how to cope with arthritis. The aspect I found really helpful were Pain Management as it teaches you to distract yourself from the pain: just simple exercises and watching what you eat can help and even relaxation. And we were taught to action plan. I was amazed at how well people in my group were motivated by it, including myself.

At the end of the six weeks you get a certificate which was a lovely surprise especially as I haven't had one since school age.

In the final two weeks we looked at going back to work. Some of the things we learnt were how to fill in an application form, how to look for jobs and where to find information on companies you are applying to.

Most job descriptions ask for certain skills and I had thought I didn't have any from being at home for so long. But surprisingly I found I had loads. One of my sons has recently lost his job. It’s a real shame but because I did this course I am able to pass my knowledge to him, which makes me feel great.’

‘This was a very good course covering so many different aspects of arthritis. Thank you very much.’

‘I enjoyed all of it.

‘Keep up the good work. This course made my week.’

‘I thought it was a good course, giving us useful, practical advice.’

‘A useful bringing together of information.’

‘The two trainers were so good making us able to understand our illness.’

‘The course reinforced my knowledge and gave me access to publications.’

‘It was very useful. It has helped me to understand my body better.’

Dear Arthritis Care, Central England

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your course tutors, Julie and John for a most interesting and helpful course completed on Monday. Both John and Julie were very informative and had a sound understanding of the hurdles for all sufferers of Arthritis and offered chair exercises, breathing techniques, relaxation as well as how to strive for positive attitudes and goal setting.

I must say, when John and Julie brought up goal setting, we all felt a little uncertain as how this could be achieved, however, thanks to their support and encouragement, we all had a good try and managed to complete this task to one level or another, but all pledged to strive to continue and take this forward as and when we are able to.

On a personal level, it was good to meet other people who shared many problems, a chance to chat and make new friends, however, thanks to good course management, time prevented any 'self wallowing' or feeling too sorry for ourselves or others. I do hope this and other courses to help Arthritis sufferers and their families/carers can continue in the future and I would be most interested in joining a local support group.

With all my thanks, Carol

‘The course was a great success, thanks to the trainers who gave such a professional performance. You organised it perfectly and kept us all on our toes. The other participants were very friendly and comfortable and I enjoyed every minute of it. I am looking forward to the reunion'.

‘I wondered what to expect when I signed on for the course, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The trainer’s presentation was both exciting and interesting, to say the least. The warmth and friendliness makes us feel part of a family sharing problems, exchanging ideas and views. The whole event was a great success and we look forward to the reunion which is to be organised.’

‘I have recently attended one of your courses. It was very ably run by the trainers. Every session was extremely interesting and informative and I am sorry that it has now ended.’

‘This course has made me much more aware of my condition and how it affects others. Most I already knew but this course put it into perspective. It has helped me to be more tolerant and to be more aware of the help I need and how I can assist my carers. My attitude to life is positive and this has been reinforced by the course. I now have a set time for my regular exercise (minimal though it might be).’

‘The trainers were so supportive and willing to listen. I think this was due to the fact they have chronic conditions themselves – they understood what the participants felt. Everyone really enjoyed it and I personally was sorry that it ended.’