QA Forum
Welcome to the Q&A Forum
We were discussing The Self Management of Arthritis
With Graeme Rossiter, Elizabeth Scrivener and Sally Ranford
Australians have a one in five chance of being diagnosed with some form of arthritis during their lifetime. There are over 150 different forms of arthritis, with the most common forms being Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
One of the most effective treatments for arthritis is Self Management Programs. Arthritis Self-Management Programs (ASMPs) involve educating people about the condition, improving self monitoring, a variety of exercises and pain management through occupational therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, relaxation, lifestyle changes and medication. The overall benefits of Arthritis Self Management Programs are to increase the quality of life and to empower people with arthritis.
The Australian Government has developed a number of initiatives that focus on this approach. For example the Sharing Health Care Initiative managed by the Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Chronic Disease Self Management Courses.
Independent Living Centres can help you find the equipment that is right for you with their equipment database that includes over 6000 items.
If you would like to ask one of our panel members a question on any aspect of the Self Management of Arthritis, please do so. You can also have a read through the following questions and answers and view a short background to each of our panel members: Graeme Rossiter (Department of Health and Ageing), Elizabeth Scrivener (Arthritis ACT) or Sally Ranford (ACT Independent Living Centre). There is a list of resources for further information and available services to help you find the information that you are looking for.
"Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits"
The following questions were answered:
| Question 1: | I would like to ask if there are any foods to be avoided with osteoarthritis, such as tomatoes or cheese and any food that would be beneficial, thank you | View Answer |
| Question 2: | Your article on Osteoarthritis and the use of shark cartilege was interesting in respect of the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. You stated that chemists and healthfood shops stocked an item which combined both Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Could you advise the name of this product ? | View Answer |
| Question 3: | I have had osteoarthritis for many years,as well as scoliosis. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Paget's Disease(bone).The Paget's is widespread and I have had two bouts in the three years. I am still in remission at the present but I find it difficult to keep up with housework as well as part time work(12 hours per week). I am toying with the idea of retiring but I am worried about boredom and feeling even more pain. Do you have any suggestions | View Answer |
| Question 4: | Do Shark Cartilage Tablets help in the relief of Ostoarthritis? | View Answer |
| Question 5: | Hi, I have the beginnings of osteoarthritis and I would like to know what are the main changes that I can make to my home to help? I would still like to be able to do the things that I enjoy in the kitchen and garden- where do I start? any suggestions would be appreciated. | View Answer |
| Question 6: | My dad had a serve stroke 2 years ago and he has no movement on his right side the drs told us to put him in a nursing home he would never walk or eat again, we didnt listen and took him home he now eats on his own and he can weight bare. we are always interested in any ideas to help try and improve his quality of life so if you have any ideas let me know we will try anything to help our dad we love him to much not to try he was 69 when he had the stroke. | View Answer |
| Question 7: | I have been suffering from psoriatic arthritis for some years now. This takes the form of psoriasis under most of my fingernails- which causes them to distort and gradually lift off the nail bed- along with arthritic inflammation in my finger joints and -increasingly- other parts of my body such as my lower back and, more recently, some of my toes. It has been difficult to get useful information about it this relatively uncommon condition. Can you help? | View Answer |
| Question 8: | Can you recommend a stair lift – we live in Brisbane. | View Answer |
| Question 9: | Has anyone ever had any trouble with their jaw? I went to the doctor with mine, it only hurts when I eat and at night, he says its arthritis but I don't know, surely it doesn't come on suddenly without any warning. | View Answer |
| Question 10: | Arthritis is my main problem but I have other health problems that affect me as well and make life generally miserable. Some days I feel like just giving up! What can I do? | View Answer |
| Question 11: | I've heard a lot about self-management, but what is it and how can it help me, I have two chronic conditions? | View Answer |
| Question 12: | I have heard there are self-management courses around, who provides them and where? | View Answer |
| Question 13: | I have osteoarthritis in a number of my joints and a friend told me she gets good relief from taking Glucosamine, which I understand she purchases from a health food shop or supermarket. Is it effective in relieving pain? | View Answer |
| Question 14: | I have rheumatoid arthritis in my knees, feet and hips and recently had a fall, but did not break any bones. I know falls are a part of getting older but is there any equipment that can help prevent another fall? | View Answer |
| Question 15: | My fingers are very stiff and I have difficulty opening jars - especially for the first time. Help! | View Answer |
| Question 16: | My GP and other health professionals I see tell me that because I have Arthritis I need to exercise, but my condition is very painful and I am scared to injure myself further if I exercise. | View Answer |
| Question 17: | What things is the Government doing in relation to self-management? | View Answer |
