ARTHRITIS AT YOUR AGE?
Late teens to early 50s: a friendly handbook
for young and youngish adults with a rheumatic disorder

By Jill Holroyd
First published by the Grindle Press, Ipswich, Suffolk, in book form, ISBN 0 9518816 0 4.

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Welcome to the Online Edition!

So much has changed since 1992, when this book was first published, but people have told me there's still a lot in it that they find helpful. So I'm having a go at putting it on the internet, bit by bit, taking out or revising what's very out-of-date. In chapter 15 there's a new section on 'using the internet to find things out' which you might like to have a look at.

Important

Nothing in this internet book is intended as a substitute for your most important source of medical information, which should always be your doctor.

While every effort has been taken to establish the accuracy of information in this internet book, no responsibility can be taken for errors of fact or interpretation. Inclusion of information in this book does not imply recommendation. You must use your own judgement, and seek advice where appropriate.

CONTENTS

This is a book for dipping into
Mix and match to suit your interests

Section 1: You, your arthritis, and the healthcare team
chapter 1 Why this book's for you
chapter 2 Rheumatic disorders (1): What are they? What's the immune system?
chapter 3 Rheumatic disorders (2): More about some individual rheumatic disorders
chapter 4 You and your doctor
chapter 5 Drug therapy
chapter 6 Physical care, rest and exercise programme
chapter 7 Hospitals
chapter 8 Surgery
chapter 9 Diet and arthritis
chapter 10 Alternative/complementary medicine

Section 2: Your physical and emotional feelings
chapter 11 The pain drain
chapter 12 Psychological and emotional reactions (1): The dark side of the hill
chapter 13 Psychological and emotional reactions (2): Working towards a positive philosophy:
The brighter side of the hill
chapter 14 Some simple self-help anti-stress techniques

Section 3: Finding help to help yourself
chapter 15 Overcoming the information barrier
chapter 16 Am I a disabled person? Or not?
chapter 17 Finance and benefits
chapter 18 Dealing with bureaucracy
chapter 19 Insurance

Section 4: Daily practicalities, at home and outside
chapter 20 Sanity-savers: gadgets, adaptations and alternative methods
chapter 21 Personal care
chapter 22 Home, sweet home?
chapter 23 Shopping
chapter 24 Out and about

Section 5: You and other people
chapter 25 Other people
chapter 26 Marriage and partnerships
chapter 27 Sex and arthritis
chapter 28 Having children
chapter 29 Personal accounts of arthritis and famous people with arthritis

Section 6: Keeping busy
chapter 30 Studying for pleasure or for a purpose
chapter 31 Employment
chapter 32 Working at home, and starting your own business
chapter 33 Voluntary work
chapter 34 Holidays
chapter 35 Pastimes

Appendix 1 Select bibliography for healthcare professionals
Appendix 2 Addresses List
Appendix 3 About the 1992 book, some reviews, and the author
Appendix 4 Press Release from the Grindle Press, 1992

Some common abbreviations
ARC Arthritis Research Campaign
AS ankylosing spondylitis
CAB Citizens' Advice Bureau
JIA Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
MDT multi-disciplinary team
NICE National Institute for Clinical Excellence
NRAS National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
OT occupational therapist
PCT primary care trust
RA rheumatoid arthritis
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
YPA younger person with arthritis

Notes
Where information differs for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland that's usually signposted by the sources mentioned. Some people whose comments are quoted have asked to remain anonymous. Pseudonyms are indicated by an asterisk*

Page last updated on 3 January 2017.