STAYING STRONG WITH ARTHRITIS RESOURCES
WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joints, such as knees, hips, back and hands to feel stiff and sore.
To hear Thomas’ and Marion’s stories of living well with osteoarthritis, check out the Staying Strong with Arthritis videos.
THOMAS’ STORY
Thomas shares his experience of living with osteoarthritis. When Thomas found that knee pain and swelling were affecting daily life and activities like getting in and out of his car, he took charge of his health. He saw an exercise physiologist and started on a program at the gym. Being physically stronger helped not only his physical pain, but helped keep his mind strong too.
MARION’S STORY
Marion shares her experience of living with osteoarthritis. Marion used to think that osteoarthritis was only a condition that affected the elderly. When she experienced knee pain and difficulty keeping up with loved ones, she looked for answers. She learned that osteoarthritis can impact individuals of all ages. Marion talks about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, like a healthy diet and keeping active.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
If joint pains are stopping you from living well, have a yarn with your doctor, health worker or physio. If you’d like help finding your local Aboriginal health service have a look at these services:
https://askizzy.org.au
https://www.naccho.org.au/naccho-map
For more information, check out these resources.
WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. This means the body’s immune system thinks joints need healing even when they don’t. This causes joints to get swollen and sore.
To hear Janet’s story of living well with rheumatoid arthritis, check out the Staying Strong with Arthritis videos.
JANET’S STORY
Janet shares her story of living with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is in Janet's family. When joint pain in her hands and fingers started affecting her art practice, she sought treatment to allow her to continue creating. Janet talks about the importance of finding a good specialist and a supportive community to manage her rheumatoid arthritis.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
If joint pains are stopping you from living well, have a yarn with your doctor, health worker or physio. If you’d like help finding your local Aboriginal health service have a look at these services:
https://askizzy.org.au
https://www.naccho.org.au/naccho-map
For more information, check out these resources.
WHAT IS LUPUS?
Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is an autoimmune condition. This means the body’s immune system thinks that body parts need healing even when they don’t. This causes swelling (inflammation) in the body. Lupus can affect many parts of the body including joints, skin or other organs like the lungs and kidneys.
To hear Leanne’s and Debbie’s story of living well with lupus check out the Staying Strong with Arthritis videos.
LEANNE’S STORY
Leanne shares her experience of living with Lupus, a condition that she has had for over 10 years. The pain and fatigue she felt with lupus impacted her family life and made simple activities with her son difficult. Leanne shares how creativity and art has helped her thrive throughout her life. She talks about the importance of information, healthy diet, medication, including natural medicines and self-belief in managing her condition.
DEBBIE’S STORY
Debbie shares her story of living with lupus. Debbie has had lupus since her early 20s. Her lupus flare-ups can feel overwhelming, forcing her to take days off from work. She found it hard to get the right support from healthcare professionals. Debbie talks about the importance of getting involved in her own health and getting control of her flare ups by eating well and exercising regularly.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
If joint pains are stopping you from living well, have a yarn with your doctor, health worker or physio. If you’d like help finding your local Aboriginal health service have a look at these services:
https://askizzy.org.au
https://www.naccho.org.au/naccho-map
For more information, check out these resources.
WHAT IS GOUT?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a natural chemical in the blood called urate. Build up of urate in the blood causes swelling (inflammation) in joints that can be very painful. Gout can affect any joint. It is most common in the foot.
To hear Adrian’s story of living well with gout, check out the Staying Strong with Arthritis videos.
ADRIAN’S STORY
Adrian shares his story of living with gout. Adrian describes gout as walking on broken glass. After experiencing severe pain and sleepless nights, Adrian started educating himself. He learned how to manage gout so he can keep doing the activities he enjoys like playing footy and spending time with the kids. Adrian talks about the importance of getting the right medication at the right time and changing his eating habits.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
If joint pains are stopping you from living well, have a yarn with your doctor, health worker or physio. If you’d like help finding your local Aboriginal health service have a look at these services:
https://askizzy.org.au
https://www.naccho.org.au/naccho-map
For more information, check out these resources.