Arthritis ‘can affect young too’

Press, 26 September 1989, Page 6

Arthritis ‘can affect young too’

By

DEBORAH McPherson

Bridget Edward, aged 17, and Amy Fechney, aged nine, have learnt the painful way that they are not too young to suffer the crippling effects of arthritis.

Bridget was one of the youngest hip-replacement patients at Christchurch Hospital last year.

Doctors had been reluctant to let her have the operation, because they did not know how long the artificial joint would last before she would have to have another one inserted.

Persistent hip pain had been a crippling companion since she was 15, however, and Bridget was keen to find some relief. While unable to con-

tinue her favourite sport, hockey, Bridget is thankful that she can at least walk now instead of hobbling on crutches.

“I was really surprised to learn that I had arthritis, although I had a friend with it. I just didn’t think I would get it so young.” Amy started suffering from swollen and painful ankles when she was aged three.

Since being diagnosed as arthritic, her condition has improved, but she still has to keep her ankles well wrapped in socks and shoes. She is unable to wear jandals, even in summer, in case a cool breeze sparks further inflammation in the joints. Bridget and Amy hope publicity about their condition will help people realise that arthritis is “not just an old person’s disease.”

That is the theme of this i week’s arthritis awareness and fundraising street and postal

appeal, which they are helping to promote. The main street appeal will be held next Monday. The appeal’s national chairman, and winner of the 10,000 m at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, Mr Dick Tayler, said arthritis seemed to be striking an increasing number of younger people. His sporting career ended suddenly when he started suffering from the crippling effects of the disease months after his medal-winning run. He

was aged 25. After two years of intensive treatment, the athlete regained and has retained 95 per cent mobility, but considers he : is “one of the lucky ones.” About one in three people suffered from some form of arthritis or rheumatism, and about one in 1000 children were affected by a juvenile arthritis, said Mr Tayler. The disease was increasingly prevalent among people aged from 20 to 50.