Sufferers need help, says Marie

MARIE FAHY’S fears were confirmed when her frequent “sports injuries” were diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) more than nine years ago.

"I was beginning to be suspicious, because all these injuries were in joints."

The 38-year-old mother of two from Dublin has had many operations over the years, including the replacement of both shoulders joints.

Marie used to play high-level basketball and swam competitively. "Now all that is out the window, unfortunately," she says.

Powerful drugs help keep the progressive disease in check, but considerable damage has been done to her joints.

"I woke up one morning and thought I'd had a stroke, because I could barely move. I was taken to hospital, given drugs and steroids and eventually they came up with the diagnosis."

Marie had to quit her job as legal secretary as she felt it was unfair to be taking so much time off sick. She says her husband Justin and other family members have given her brilliant support.

She urges people who suspect they have a form of arthritis to contact the Arthritis Foundation of Ireland. "There are people out there less fortunate than me who need the help," she says.

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