Cristiane

I have generally been active throughout my life. However in 1995 at the age of 33 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis. For the next 10 years I struggled with this together with a stressful banking job that included a lot of travel. I tried to do aquarobics during this time. Tennis was abandoned as was other exercise. Unfortunately, the drugs I was on led me to put on over 20 kilos. The drugs have also caused type 2 Diabetes. In 2009, I was made redundant from my job and took the opportunity to focus on my health.

I started doing aqua aerobics and a gym program. I was also encouraged to do the seniors classes even though I was not 50 as yet. Since that time and with the help of a dietician I have lost over 30 kilograms. My bone density is said to be that of a 30 year old which my rheumatologist credits that to the exercise I do.

Exercising regularly assists with my rheumatoid arthritis. If I do not exercise for a while, I notice I stiffen up. Some days I can have flare ups so I still come to the gym even though those days can be tough morale wise and I just “potter” around the gym. My rheumatologist advised me that even just some gentle exercise helps and I hold onto that advice. Sometimes, I start gently and my flare up will improve and I get more energized as I exercise and certainly my morale improves.

Regularly exercising helps me physically and aids in my weight management. The support of the staff over the years has been incredible especially on my down days and the camaraderie and encouragement from fellow participants is also fantastic.

I believe that if I want to keep active, I have no choice but to make exercise a part of my daily regime. My story is not really one of staying fit and independent as we age but a story about keeping as active as possible to minimise the effects of rheumatoid arthritis as much as possible.