Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Power Comes Together in Dorchester

21st September 2012 - There are estimated to be over 40,000 people in the south west who live from rheumatoid arthritis, many of whom live in Dorchester. It is a condition that can cause severe pain and disability. Those impacted by rheumatoid arthritis – patients, families, carers and health professionals – are invited to attend an open meeting and discussion on Wednesday 3rd October, jointly hosted by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and the Rheumatology Team at the Dorset County Hospital. The meeting will be held at the Dorchester Baptist Church on Bridport Road, starting at 6.30pm.

This meeting is an opportunity to find out more about what can be done to enable people to manage their condition more effectively. “This event will provide valuable information on how to make effective use of the local care services that are available. It is also an opportunity for rheumatoid arthritis patients to meet others with the condition and share experiences” said Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive and founder of NRAS.

Following this meeting it is intended to hold regular group sessions to continue this sharing of knowledge. Having a group based in Dorchester will also help raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis among those not yet affected by the condition. It is widely believed that the best chance for patients to achieve remission is to begin treatment within 12 weeks of symptom onset. A National Audit Office report showed that nearly 50% of patients did not even visit their GP until at least three months after their symptoms began. Half of patients are losing out on their best chance of remission so it is vital that people are aware of the key indicators of rheumatoid arthritis so they know when to seek medical advice.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint tissue causing inflammation, stiffness, pain and extreme fatigue. If left untreated, the joint can lose its shape and alignment and lead to permanent disability with a devastating impact on the individual and their families. It primarily affects women who are three times more likely to get it than men and can occur at any age including childhood, although onset is most common after the age of 40.

To register for this event please call NRAS on 0845 458 3969 or email volunteers@nras.org.uk. The NRAS network is made up of volunteer group all across the UK, members of which all have rheumatoid arthritis themselves so understand exactly what it is like to have the condition.

ENDS

For further information on this please contact the NRAS PR & Press Officer – Andrew Scott – at andrew@nras.org.uk / 07703 026974.

Notes:

•    RA is an often misunderstood disease, confused with osteoarthritis which is a wear and tear disease generally affecting the older population.
•    NRAS provides support, information and advocacy for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis and their families, friends and carers. NRAS provides a resource for health professionals and works closely with rheumatology teams across the UK.
•    The goal of NRAS is ‘working for a better life for people living with rheumatoid arthritis’ and this is sought by providing information, education, support and advocacy; raising public and government awareness of RA; campaigning for equity of access to best treatment and care; and facilitating the networking of people with RA and encouraging self-help.