An information evening on living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) will be held in Galway on Wednesday November 8. The event is organised by Arthritis Ireland and supported by MSD Ireland.
Dr Bernadette Lynch, consultant rheumatologist at University Hospital Galway, will deliver the talk, which will be followed by a Q and A session.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects some 45,000 people in Ireland, the majority of which (70 per cent ) are women. RA can cause a range of symptoms, including pain and swelling in the joints, particularly those in the hands, feet, and knees. While it is more likely that someone will develop rheumatoid arthritis in their middle years – between 30 and 50 – children, young adults, and older people can also get it.
Gráinne O’Leary, acting CEO and head of services at Arthritis Ireland, said that: “The purpose of the information evening is to raise awareness and understanding around rheumatoid arthritis. We hope that it will be of benefit to people who are looking for expert information, regardless of whether they are newly diagnosed, living with the condition for years, or indeed a family member of someone living with RA. Rheumatoid arthritis can have a considerable impact on people’s quality of life, particularly in relation to their career, relationships, lifestyle, and mental health. These are the invisible effects of living with the disease.”
Sinead Tuite, patient programmes support manager, MSD Ireland commented: “We are delighted to support this very beneficial evening as part of our on-going partnership with Arthritis Ireland. We know from experience that timely, expert information can be hugely helpful to support patients affected by this condition. We are therefore very hopeful that this talk will provide a host of information which will add real value not only to patients but to their families.”
Arthritis Ireland’s information evening, ‘Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis’ will be held in the Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway at 7pm on Wednesday November 8.
To book a place at the talk visit www.arthritisireland.ie
