Carol and Richard, About.com's Guides to Arthritis, were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the prime of life. Together, they have over 50 years combined experience living with arthritis.
Experience:
Carol worked as a Registered Medical Technologist in a hospital laboratory for 16 years until arthritis put a premature end to her career. Carol started and moderated the first weekly Rheumatoid Arthritis Chatroom / Support Group on America Online in 1995.
Carol and Richard have been co-guides for About.com's Arthritis website since 1997 and the Osteoarthritis website since 2007. Carol is also a writer and patient advocate for people living with arthritis and chronic illness. Carol is the author of the The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis, published by Adams Media (ISBN-13: 978-1598694109).
Education:
Carol has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Cleveland State University in Ohio. She also completed a one-year internship in a School of Medical Technology and became a Registered Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP).
From Carol & Richard Eustice:
Arthritis is a prevalent disease. Over 46 million American adults (about 1 in 5) report doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis is not a single disease -- the term arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 different diseases and conditions that cause aching, pain, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints.
Have you heard that arthritis only affects older people? Not true -- that's a common misconception. In actuality, arthritis can affect anyone at any age. It's true that the incidence of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age, but nearly 3 out of every 5 patients are younger than age 65, according to the CDC.
We're here to help you understand essential information about arthritis, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medications, natural remedies, and other treatment options. We share our insight on living and coping with arthritis and offer practical advice to help you manage your illness.
References:
- Surviving the Loss of Oneself (Carol's Personal Story)
The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at age 19: a continuous challenge and evolution. - Arthur and Me; Arthur and Us (Richard's Personal Story)
Diagnosed at age 26, Richard reveals how arthritis impacted his life both positively and negatively. - Message Board / Forum
Read and post messages. Share your advice and experiences. It's the place for mutual support. - Free Newsletters
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