Melanie, Toronto A few years ago I was diagnosed as having Osteo-Arthritis in both knees. Since that time my Arthritis has progressed and I am less mobile than ever before. Eventually I will require knee replacement surgery in both knees. When I walk, I use a mobility device and because I am fairly young still, I have noticed some people watching me walk along and at times struggling using my mobility device cast suspicious glances at me. I believe we can all benefit by educating others with respect to Arthritis or any other disability. In order to be more empowering, I would rather think of people who have a ‘disability’ as one who is in fact ‘uniquely abled.’ The truth is we are all able to do something. Some people may feel that they can do more or less than others but that should not be the measure. It should not be about how much more or less one can do, it should be about our goals, our contributions and focusing on our excellence and our strengths. I believe we are all uniquely abled people. We all have so much to give and so much to offer and contribute to society. We are all blessed with so many wonderful gifts, strengths, talents, abilities, dreams and visions. If I can help to advocate for the ‘disabled’ or the ‘uniquely abled’ people of this world then I will have helped to lift back the veil or curtain and help those that didn’t understand or truly realise the extent of some of the barriers that have been created. Having any form of Arthritis makes mobility or even doing the most mundane of things often unbearable. Let’s all do our part and keep the lantern of the soul of everyone burning radiantly and brightly, with dignity, respect and with compassion and understanding. I want to extend to all those people who do help and go out of their way every day to help and assist the ‘uniquely abled’ people of the world a special, heart-felt thanks! Kudos to you all! I believe the focus is not to prove to the world how wonderfully talented uniquely abled people are but to prove and demonstrate to the world that uniquely abled people equals all of society. The true composition of society is all people, end of story. We can all be their voice. We can all do what we can to help our sisters and brothers that are uniquely abled. We can watch for ways to make their road a bit smoother and make their way more dignified. The glass of every human is therefore full. No one’s glass is half empty. Click here to report objectionable content.   Rhonda, Vancouver This is a supportive marriage story more than a "how to survive arthritis" story. Most people with OA know how beneficial a good physiotherapist can be, but it's expensive to have to pay for each visit! I am extremely fortunate that my husband bought a book on massage technique and is able to give a really wonderful therapeutic massage! Hurray! I maintain a savings account for the times when I need to see my physio for problems massage can't fix. I can afford to go to him since I don't have to go every single month. Having a supportive husband, along with access to a first-rate physio are the base points of my personal arthritis care programme. Click here to report objectionable content.