Margaret Curran's Story Margaret Curran has been volunteering on the Arthritis Ireland helpline since 2021. She’s a remarkable individual who has inspired so many who themselves are grappling with the challenges of arthritis. Living with arthritis herself makes volunteering her time even more challenging than usual and makes us appreciate her all the more! “When volunteering on the helpline, sometimes callers can be quite anxious and worried initially, but I’ve been there before so I totally understand those worries.” Margaret says: Often, it’s not just about giving information; it can simply be about helping that person at the end of the line to feel heard and understood. And then, when they have an empathetic ear, the relief is almost palpable through the phone. Arthritis is a difficult condition. It’s hard to diagnose and, of course, it doesn’t present the same symptoms every day, so sometimes you doubt and question yourself. It’s known as ‘the invisible disease’, and that can feel quite lonely. I think callers to our helpline find it really reassuring that someone is there for them; they feel truly heard and understood. I hope that’s what they take away with them at the end of a call. Margaret also has personal experience of the great benefits of participation on the courses provided by Arthritis Ireland. Having been diagnosed at the young age of eighteen, she has gone through many different stages of living with arthritis and thinks that self-management is key. Margaret says ‘You are the leader with your own condition. Yes, you are part of a team dealing with your condition, but it’s important to have it in mind that you are actually the team leader. For instance, when you come out of your consultation, which tends to be just fifteen minutes at most, you really need to take things into your own hands and be proactive in following the guidance of your consultant. Also listening to your body is key; only going to its own capabilities and limits. Aiming for balance is also important; having an active social life, whilst also making time to rest. Living well, as best you can. I’ve completed several of the Arthritis Ireland courses, such as ‘Living Well with Arthritis’ and ‘Behind the Pain’. They essentially offer a toolbox to help manage your condition and they are so beneficial for helping to manage your own condition. Having arthritis has been a lifelong challenge for me. You can build a house, but you still need a toolbox for when things go wrong. Sometimes our disease makes us feel that we’ve no control, but through these courses you learn that there are some things that you can actually control, such as your emotions or your perspective on things. The courses get you to focus on what you can do for yourself once more. That then lifts you out of the rut of simply focusing on the pain and you start to see things more positively. Also, you get to enjoy the support of one another in the group, including the shared experiences. You end up chatting about really practical things, such as how to prepare to meet with your consultant and information around your medications, or meditation and relaxation. They can be very simple things, but they can make life a lot easier. The courses are very empowering. I come away feeling like I’m in the driving seat again, and that truly makes a huge difference in all aspects of my life.’ “Sometimes our disease makes us feel that we’ve no control, but through these courses you learn that there are some things that you can actually control, such as your emotions or your perspective on things.” Every ticket sold in our Christmas Raffle makes a difference. We would be grateful for whatever support you can give - whether it’s buying tickets yourself or selling them to friends and family. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online HERE Thank you so much for your support! Manage Cookie Preferences