Member Profile Diane Cappel Age: 57 Writing from: Danbury, Texas Arthritis types: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis Arthritic for...: 1-2 years

What don't you tell your doctor about how you manage pain?
My doctor knows how I manage my pain. He has been great and listens to what I say even though I am very differnt from most of his patients. When I told him I wanted to be able to ride and participate in Cowboy Mounted Shooting and I needed my trigger finger to work without pain, he shook his head and told me that most of his patients just want to be able to dress themselves and open doors. I told him that was not acceptable to me. I want/expect much more from my treatment!

What could George Bush do personally to make the lives of arthritics better?
Don't believe the government should be so involed in our lives so I am not looking for GB or any other politician to make our lives better. This should come from communities and individuals. We have to help share information and stories so people will understand. You never know what a disease is really like until either you or someone you love experiences it. I have known several people with RA, but didn't know what it was or what it does (still don't know all) until you experience it personally.

What could the Arthritis Foundation do?
Provide more information to public. We need more PR on the disease and what it does.

Have you ever used your arthritis to gain an unfair advantage?
No! Hardest thing is that most people don't know what RA is. Once you mention the Arthritis part, they start to tell you how they hurt from Arthritis...I understand, but it is very frustrating. I have started a my own campaign to help people understand the differences in a way that doesn't offend them. Since I have both types of arthritis, I share the difference with them and can use my hands as an example. OA is something we do to our bodies, RA is what our body is doing to us. That helps them understand.

When's the last time you felt humiliated because of your arthritis?
Never felt humilated, but frustration and sometimes depression are there!

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