Living with arthritis: Carole Bonner says getting treatment early is essential
When Carole Bonner was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 24, she was shocked and devastated.
But 27 years later - to coincide with national arthritis week - she is keen to get the message out that it is possible to live with the debilitating disease.
Carole says a common misconception is that arthritis is an old person's disease. In reality it can affect anyone, from children to grandparents.
There are 9million people living with some form of arthritis in Britain and it affects one in five adults.
The main symptoms are swollen, hot and painful joints, tiredness and stiffness in the morning.
"Mine started with a swollen ankle which was very painful. I thought I had sprained it without realising.
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"It got worse and worse, it got to the stage where every joint in my body was hurting, I could not walk or sleep. It does not always come on as aggressively as that," said Carole.
"Tests did not reveal anything and I thought I was cracking up because no one could find anything wrong with me."
Carole says the most important thing for anyone who thinks they might have arthritis is to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible.
"Since I have been diagnosed I have had a baby, raised two children, gone to university and been elected a councillor."
Carole Bonner
"The earlier you start on the treatment, the less damage is done to the joints," she said.
She also says you need to let your friends and family know. "You are going to need their help. You need to accept that you are not going to be able to do the things you used to do.
"Simple things like playing with your children, taking a long walk or getting into the bath."
Carole said that the worst thing about the disease is the unpredictability of it, the pain can come on at any time.
"A positive attitude and keeping going with the limitations that you have is very important.
"Since I have been diagnosed I have had a baby, raised two children, gone to university and been elected a councillor," she said. "I have had it for 27 years and I am still a fully functioning member of society."
Carole is setting up a support group for people with arthritis in Croydon.
Anyone interested in joining can contact Carole on 020 8404 3456.
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