Dear Arthritis (How You Have Robbed Me)

I used to walk & cycle most places and had no issues walking long distances I used to take walking for granted.

I carried Record cases to/from gigs and a full record case could be heavy when packed with Singles & Albums.

In 1995 I was a bar cellarman and I was throwing 22 and 11 gallon barrels around a cellar and lifting crates with NO ISSUES.

In 1998 I worked in a huge cellar in the West end of London that went through over 50 barrels a week.

it was 2002 when I started to realise that something wasn't right when I had a back spasm while out shopping.

Back spasms can be extremely debilitating and I have to rest when they happen & theres no cure for my Spondylosis.

I was diagnosed with Osteoarthrtis & Spondylosis in 2010 and I had a reasonable(ish) quality of life back then.

Around the time of my Arthritis diagnosis I started using a walking stick & I have to have my stick with me at all times.

The pain in my Back, Joints and Hip robs me of so much I can't walk for long distances like I used to.

The pain from my Hips, Back & Legs drives me INSANE. Painkillers DON'T touch the pain I'm in constant discomfort 24/7.

My back is in constant pain even doing something as simple as washing the dishes can cause me lots of pain from being stood up.

I also suffer with a condition in my hands/wrists known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which also makes life INTERESTING.

One of the worst things with Carpal Tunnel is when my hands go into Spasm

I have great trouble picking up Cutlery, Pills, Coins and things like that, my fingers just won't grasp onto things some days

9 times out of 10 when I do manage to get something picked up it usually pings back out of my hand.

I will lose the use of my hands one day if the Carpal Tunnel gets worse.

My quality of life suffers as a result of suffering with these horrible conditions.

It TIRES me out and it stops me from socialising or going places

People seem to think that people with conditions like Arthritis are lazy

People don't realise just how Debilitating Arthritis can be for a person. Like I said I used to be Active all the time.

Not being as active has done a lot of harm to my Mental Health.

I'm in a constant pain battle not a day goes by where I'm unable to do stuff.

It can take 20 minutes to get out of bed when my Arthritis flares up really badly.

I don't know how much longer I can put up with this pain in my joints. Its getting to me Physically & Mentally.

Don't be complacent Arthritis could strike you too if it runs in your family (Mine stems from my Grandad)

I wouldn't wish Arthritis on anyone its EXTREMELY painful and getting comfortable while sitting or sleeping can be a nightmare.