Arthritis Ireland Arthritis Ireland

Wendy Costello writes.....

We all like a fresh start. As a parent of a child who has arthritis, here are my resolutions for the new year.

1. I am going to go prepared to every appointment Niamh has and try not to get mad when they ask me to go over her history for the 100^th time
2. I am going to remain positive instead of bursting into tears in Dr Killeen’s office
3. I am going to stop making excuse’s for Niamh at camoige when she can’t run and encourage her to push herself
4. I am not going to read every article I see on alternative medicines and I am certainly not going to surf the net for extreme cases of arthritis and torture myself dreaming of what if...
5. I am going to swim more with Niamh
6. I am going to get more involved with my local branch of Arthritis Ireland

My daughter Niamh has made her own new year’s resolutions, as a child living with arthritis.

1. I am going to speak up at all my appointments as I am now 10 and I know what pain I am in
2. I am going to remain positive about my future and I do believe I can achieve anything
3. I am going to handle my injection every Friday with as much courage as I can and not stab mum with it
4. I am going to email my friends with arthritis as often as I can as I do find this very supportive
5. I am going to push myself in physio and swimming
6. I am going to keep a diary this year of my illness. I was rubbish at keeping it last year...

Arthritis Ireland has lots of tools, information, booklets and a helpline that can help you to stick with and achieve your new year resolutions. Whether it's being more engaged with your doctor like Niamh, taking more exercise or being proactive about managing your arthritis, there is something for everyone. www.arthritisireland.ie

Happy new year!