Arthritis Ireland Arthritis Ireland

My name is Máirtín. I’m 21 and I’m studying medicine. I’m just going to tell you a little about my experiences in school, with alcohol, and my decision on which university course to pursue.

Having been diagnosed with JA when I was three, I had grown up realising that the condition was a major aspect of my life. It impacted on most, if not all parts of my life, especially school. I had been advised to use a special chair and table by an occupational therapist when I was in primary school, in order to reduce the strain on my back and neck. This led to my teachers needing to explain its presence in the classroom to the other students. I adapted fairly quickly, as did most of my classmates, and thankfully mean comments were few and far between!

Before starting secondary school, however, I was quite anxious about how my special seating situation would go down with my new classmates. The idea of explaining my medical condition to all these new people was a bit daunting. My parents had informed the school of my JA, and they were very understanding and accommodating. For me it was definitely an advantage telling my school about my condition. It can be so much easier if those who are in charge are aware of your JA, so that they can accommodate your requirements!

In secondary school, the teachers didn’t explain why I had a very comfortable-looking office chair, but joked about it during the first few days. It was left to me to explain why I had it. I kept it brief and to the point, “I have arthritis. The chair and table make it easier on my neck” and no greater issue was ever made of it. I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that I did feel a little bit different from the rest of the class. My tendency toward shyness at the time, probably didn’t help much and I would strongly urge you to get the support you need to help you over your own issues with your JA. Accept that your equipment, medication etc. are necessary and important in helping you! Try putting yourself out there, and don’t let your arthritis make you feel isolated from everyone else in your class!

It took me a while to realise it myself, but just remember not to let your JA define you. I wasn’t the most athletic or sporty person when I was in secondary school, but when I did get involved in any sporting events, I made sure that the coach or teacher in charge was aware of my JA, as a sort of “by the way”, just in case my joints ever acted up and I needed a break. If you are involved in sports just remember not to push yourself too hard or too far.

I was very lucky as a teenager when it came to peer-pressure regarding alcohol. I took my confirmation pledge pretty seriously and wasn’t interested in drinking before I was eighteen. Whenever I went to parties I would just stand my ground and politely refuse any alcohol offered, and drink a soft drink instead. It might sound sad. But I personally didn’t see the attraction of underage drinking! I know that it was better for my health to stay away from alcohol. Especially with my medications, as drinking would have had a negative affect on their effectiveness or could have reacted with them and damaged my organs! It was definitely one of my best decisions and I then decided to stay away from the drink myself even after I was 18. My friends in college have absolutely no problem with it. Quite the opposite, most are very encouraging and supportive of it!

I hated doctors and hospitals for the first few years of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of being stuck with a needle as a doctor tried to take blood! My views unexpectedly and inexplicably changed as I got older. I suppose I slowly realised that despite sometimes unintentionally causing pain, medical professionals are really only trying to help people as best they can! I imagined being in their position when I was older, and being able to properly understand how and what people who are sick are feeling. I’m sure we have all met doctors who are not the most empathetic or understanding, and I thought it was important to have some people who are used to being a patient working in the profession. So when I was about 8 I decided that I wanted to be a doctor. Luckily everything fell in to place over the years, and I managed to get into the course. I think that if you know what you want to do in life, getting there is easy if you focus on that goal, and just keep working towards it, bit by bit, taking each day as it comes. Some days are better than others, but it’s essential to keep positive, and rely on any support you have.