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see also Pain & arthritis - 2 page pdf

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA
www.arthritisvic.org.au  ... (Copy reviewed 2005)

Living with a chronic illness, such as arthritis.

Chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, bring with them a whole range of emotional and physical changes, and challenges. In particular, for many people arthiritis involves having to live with a number of both major and minor losses, and the accompanyhing sadness, anger or emptiness that these losses can produce. Losses vary from person to person, but they can include the loss of:

• income
• independence
• self esteeem
• mobility
• friends
• a "place" in society
• a "normal" life

Losses are not only felt at the time of the loss, but can also accumulate, and can also be revisited and re-felt at some future time. This does not mean that these losses and accompanying hurt cannot be overcome, nor that individuals with arthritis are unable to lead full, happy and rewarding lives. What seems to characterise individuals who deal with these losses well from those who don't is their self-management of their condition and the quality of the support that they receive.

Individuals whose loved ones are living with arthritis can also face loss and hurt. So for them too support and empathy are very important. As the saying goes "who cares for the carer"? For carers' and loved ones' lives also change dramatically when a loved one has arthritis or a chronic musculo-skeletal condition.

Material is currently being prepared for these pages which address the emotional issues that can be experienced by people living with arthritis and other chronic illnesses, and by their families and carers.