It is with sadness that Versus Arthritis has decided toclose Arthr, our start-up business designing and selling original products forpeople with arthritis. We want to thank Arthr’s staff, board, advisors and partnersfor their hard work and dedication over the last three years. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to Arthr’s loyalcustomers and Changemakers who have generously given their time, expertise, custom and support to Arthr since 2019.

World Arthritis Day: Claire's Story

Claire writes about her experience with Psoriatic Arthritis, raising awareness in the run up to World Arthritis Day.

Claire

After many years of struggling with a range of symptoms I was referred to my Rheumatologist mid 2017 who straight away diagnosed me with Psoriatic Arthritis. This was a huge relief after struggling with intense symptoms for some time.

Living with Psoriatic Arthritis is truly difficult. Each day you wake up not knowing how you’re going to feel. Some days you wake up feeling like you’ve got the flu. Other days you can wake up seemingly ok and things are manageable only to be hit full force with pain and inflammation. The fatigue is debilitating. Putting one foot in front of the other can be like wading through wet cement. The only way I can describe it is a physical and emotional rollercoaster. One that has no set track. It can be so inconsistent and so unpredictable.

Living with arthritis means that life’s challenges are that much harder. Nothing is the same. Having to incorporate rest days following any exertion is a must. Trying to juggle the guilt that comes with living with arthritis is emotionally burdening. Whilst having to make decisions in relation to extreme medication and it’s side effects in the hope that the pros outweigh the cons.

What Arthr are doing to support people with arthritis is amazing. They’re improving everyday living for those with arthritis and MSK conditions. The products that are designed and developed are quite simply brilliant. For years I associated physical aids as beige, cumbersome monstrosities. Those available from arthr are simply the opposite, the products that they design aren’t defined by age. Not only do Arthr engage with people living with these conditions for feedback and review, they also offer involvement in the research and design process.

In the last year, I’ve used a fair few of Arthr's products and have been really impressed. From Plugull Plug Pull to bathroom aids which support me physically. It helps so much to know that a company like this exists.

You can follow Claire's story on Instagram @pain_in_the_arth

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