Ruth Hollingsworth

27/05/04: Ruth Hollingsworth

My name is Ruth Hollingsworth and I have just become a member, I thought I would share my personal experiences in brief with you!!

I am now 26 and was diagnosed at the age of 16, At the time I was told it was Rheumatoid Arthritis but now doctors seem to refer to me as having JRA....don't think it makes much difference now!

Since onset, I have been on every disease modifying drug going, none of these drugs have worked, they have slightly helped but my main help came from steroids, I am now on Enbrel and am pleased to say my life is changing for the better!

Since the age of 20 I have had over 20 operations on most parts of my body! The most surgery has been done on my hands, Due to this and an uncontrollable disease I have never been able to work and at times been very depressed indeed and for the past 8 years I have been on anti depressants, I am really excited that since Christmas I have reduced these drugs and am now off them for the first time in 8 years! Despite having very dark times I try to remain positive with the help and support of my wonderful husband and parents; I go out as much as I can and as Enbrel is working I am now beginning to walk more than I have in 10 years! I have used a wheelchair since very early on, The disease affected me badly very quickly and changed my life dramatically in just weeks of diagnosis! I cannot recall the number of times I have been admitted into hospital! I am still waiting for 2 or three operations to be carried out but after that I am hoping that Enbrel will be strong enough to save the joints I still have left for a while! I set alarms off with all the metal as it is!!!

I am studying Psychology at the moment and am very interested in pursuing a career in this or counselling. I feel that at the time of my diagnosis my parents and I were not offered any sort of emotional help and what a difference that would have made to us all. I would like to help others, who are newly diagnosed, by offering support and someone to chat to.

I am very interested in helping the charity in any way I can and please contact me if I can be of any assistance!!!! Thanks for reading!!!!!!