Louise Clifford

07/07/04: Louise Clifford

I first experienced the effects of what was to be diagnosed as Juvenile Chronic Arthritis, at the age of six. My Mum encountered the usual neurotic mother responses when she kept returning to the doctors with my various swollen joints. Fortunately it wasn't too long until I was referred to a paediatrician who had seen kids with Rheumatoid Arthritis before and could therefore diagnose Arthritis. My parents often tell me how limited the information was from there on in. Dr Barbara Ansell was my consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, she was reputed to be the expert in the field of juvenile arthritis, she also proved to be the scariest. The early years of my condition involved regular periods in hospital for intensive physio, whilst the balancing act with medication swung on and on. My schooling was frequently interrupted and by the age of fifteen it had come to an inevitable halt. I spent eight months in hospital prior to my sixteenth birthday having soft tissue releases and both hips replaced. It was years later that I finally took some GCSEs and A levels, before going to University and getting an Honours degree in communication. I look back and realise that Arthritis robbed me of a lot in those intervening years; not just academic qualifications but the lessons which would have built my confidence and shown me where my strengths lay and what I could aspire to. For example when I took my GCSEs, the teacher asked what A levels I was going to do. I was absolutely amazed, I truly never thought I had the academic ability to continue and do A'levels, let alone a degree. I have now been working full-time for four years. The first job was for a Health and Beauty Company, I was the in-house PR Manager, I stayed there a year. At that time I was still living at home with my parents. Since working for my Dad's Company in London, I have moved into my own flat which is just a walk from the office. I am largely independent, I employ a PA to give me a hand with domestic chores and dressing etc and my parents remain amazingly supportive.