Ireland’s National Arthritis Week  

Here in Ireland Arthritis week takes place between the 4th and 10th of April. I always like it when there’s an international or national day/week dedicated to arthritis or AxSpa. Although it makes me a little sad that I’m going to have this condition for life it also makes me proud. Proud to spread awareness and advocate for AxSpa.

My journey with advocacy

It gets me thinking about how I started advocating. I was diagnosed less than 6 months and I saw on Arthritis Irelands Facebook page that World Arthritis Day was soon. I donated to this organization and received an email asking if I wanted to make a fundraiser. I did and it was the best thing I have ever done. I raised much more than expected and I felt like it gave me a purpose. I had found my voice. I fell in love with advocating. It brings me joy that I can help others feel less alone.

Through advocating I have accepted my illness and dealt with the emotional side of it. Of course, I still get upset and down about it from time to time but I really do believe that writing and advocating for myself and others has been a therapeutic experience.

Anyways, back to National Arthritis Week. Arthritis Ireland is our country’s main organization for Arthritis. They raise money, hold workshops, and support people who have arthritis. They deliver services that help people with arthritis live full and active lives. They offer in-person and online courses. I have participated in two. The first was "Living Well with Arthritis," this was a free six-week course that I attended online. This course taught me ways of managing my pain and fatigue and adapting to a healthier lifestyle.

Some things that were covered in this course

• Pain and fatigue management.
• Sleep management.
• Connecting one’s mind with their body.
• How to distract yourself from pain.
• Making action plans.
• Managing one’s mental health and emotions.
• Communicating with health care professionals.
• Advocating for yourself Journaling symptoms and feelings.
• Healthy eating and exercise.
• And much more.

This was the best course that I have ever done. It truly helped me to live a better life with my AxSpa. The second course I completed was "Be Active with Arthritis." This course was also six weeks long. This course taught me how to exercise safely with AxSpa and how to listen to my body.

Arthritis Ireland's challenge

So, for this week Arthritis Ireland is hosting a challenge. For one week you must walk, swim or cycle 5K, or do whatever you feel like your body can do. I aim to walk 5K a day, let’s hope I’m having a good week! I feel like this is the push I need.

For me, walking daily is so important. Important for both my mind and my body. It clears my head and puts me in a good mood. It loosens my stiff joints and lowers my pain levels. Often it gives me energy, so that helps with my fatigue.

I shall keep you all updated on my progress with this challenge.

Have you been involved with your local arthritis organization? If so I would love to hear your experiences.