BONE & JOINT HEALTH

Eileen Davidson, ambassador for the Arthritis Society and Patient Advisory Board Member of Arthritis Research Canada, shares her journey as a single mother

living with several musculoskeletal conditions

Mediaplanet What symptoms led to your initial diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia?

Eileen Davidson I was originally misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and a sore back because of my young age, weight, and profession as an esthetician. But unrelenting chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional disturbances debilitated me. I felt something else was wrong so I requested an RA blood test, and that was the start of my self-advocacy.

MP How do you cope with your symptoms?

ED Finding support is crucial. Seeking help isn’t shameful, whether it be for physical or mental health. I force myself to rest even when my mind says to keep going. Self-care and pain management are the keys to dealing with arthritis.