Lynda Sisson

16/01/03: Lynda Sisson
 
I found your very informative website after reading my latest issue of DISABILITY NOW. I feel there has been a need for a website like yours for some time.

Case History

I was diagnosed at the age of 18 months with Still's Disease. At the age of 3 I was sent to the Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital, Taplow under the care of Dr. Barbara Ansell and her team. To her we were not just patients, we were part of her 'family'. To this day we get a Xmas card from her. This was in June 1953. I was to remain there for 5 years. I was treated with Cortisone as part of a trial. It was extremely difficult for my parents to visit, not having transport of their own. They could only visit once a fortnight from Nottingham, individually, as there were two other youngsters at home. Money was very tight.

After my long term I had to return for regular monitoring for a number of years. Due to the Steroids, I have restricted growth (4ft 10 ins) and limited fixed arms and difficulty bending. I attended a 'Special' school in Nottingham as this was the 'norm' at that time. I did not get any educational qualifications and emerged with little prospect of employment. At 17 years however I managed to get employment in the printing trade as a Printing Finisher. I was there for 13 years. At the age of 27 I got married to Keith (we celebrated our Silver Wedding in 2002).

For 3 years we tried unsuccessfully for a family. After a frustrating battle with the Medical Profession I was referred to a Fertility Clinic and eventually found a Gynaecologist. Eventually after 2 miscarriages I was found to have a hormone imbalance and treatment resulted in my son Colin, born Oct 1980 (8lbs 2oz). My arthritis has not stopped me getting involved in my son's growing up. We have followed him to football, cubs, scouts and even served on his school's PTA. He is now studying English at Loughborough University.

During the pregnancy I felt fine and my Arthritis actually improved, doing away with the need for my medication. However a short while after the birth I had a flare-up. In 1982 I was nominated for a Distra Award and met up again with Dr Barbara Ansell who greeted me with the immortal words "you need your hips! "True to her word, in 1985 she arranged for me to go into Northwick Park Hospital for the first Hip Replacement, the second followed later that year. This was followed by knees in 1988 and 1989. The right knee has been a problem and I have recently had revision surgery on it in Nottingham QMC to improve movement. My right shoulder was replaced at Nottingham City Hospital in Nov 2000. My husband and I are members of North Notts Arthritis Self Help

During my adult life I have been involved with PHAB and Nottingham & District Sports Club for the Disabled (where I met my husband who was a volunteer driver). I have appeared on Central TV's LINK when they featured Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been involved with Disability Now's Campaign for Cold Weather Payments for the Chronically Sick and Disabled. I now take Glucosamine Sulphate and other supplements, which seems to help. For many years after my son's birth I was taking NSAID's. Even now I wonder if they were really necessary or helpful.

Best Wishes to you all Mrs Lynda Sisson (nee Rutherford).