Yiota’s poem

My name is Yiota Marie Orphanides and I am a member of NRAS. I am 28 years old and have suffered with RA since the age of 1. I have just had a full hip replacement operation and am recovering at home. During my recovery I wrote a poem about my experience. It really helped me express my feelings and emotions during the difficult times and I hope will help others in a similar situation.

My Poem

What a journey
A very long path,
Who knew the outcome
Would be so vast.

You need a hip replacement
The Surgeon said,
The tears rolled down
And I collapsed on the bed.

In my shock, horror and despair
All I could do was stop and stare
And in one simple breath I managed to say;
“But I’m only 28!
How can my hip just deteriorate?”

This is the outcome
And it’s not going to change,
I have to accept
My life will be rearranged.

Your knowledge is your power
So I learnt all the facts,
With information and research
I felt on track.

I’m happy to say
The operation was a success,
And the support from my family and friends
Has been simply the best!

It was important to stay positive
And keep my faith,
And soon the memories
Began to erase.

I now value all the little things
And cherish the happy moments
That life brings.
I never take for granted
The things I hold dear
And feel proud that I conquered
My biggest fear.

What I have learnt
Deep within myself
Is that your health
Is your wealth
And NOTHING ELSE! 

To read more about this patient's experiences with hip replacement, please click here to read Yiota's article on Suite101.com. Please note, this will open in a new window and will take you directly to the article on the Suite101 website.