Carrie Barnes calls arthritis “an unwelcome thief,” that stole hope, joy and health from her life.
“I couldn't hold a toothbrush. I couldn't get down to play with my children,” she says. The pain and loss of mobility resulting from the inflammatory disease overwhelmed her life, at the age of only 32.
Fortunately, she discovered TAP, The Arthritis Program at Southlake Regional Health Centre, and its multi-disciplinary team. The educational approach, that not only explained the disease but methods of self-assessment , options for treatment, and information on the importance of exercise, rest and diet, made all the difference.
“With the help of TAP I was able to make it back on my feet... I regained so much of what I lost.”
Barnes, who is now part of the TAP educational team, was Emcee at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the program, held at Southlake's Medical Arts Building on September 29.
The theme was “Southlake Puts the Art in Arthritis,” and the lecture hall was filled with life stories, artwork and music by Arthritis sufferers who have been able to reclaim their lives, thanks to the award-winning program.
Like Erwin Anthoefer, competitive wildlife carver, who developed Inflammatory Arthritis in his fingers. The inflammation of his finger joints made it impossible for him to hold his carving tools. In fact, the joint of his middle finger was so seriously damaged, it had to be surgically stiffened.
TAP provided information on exercise, diet and medication to mitigate the symptoms, and and helped Anthoefer switch to using power tools. Although the arthritis has continued to damage his joints, he says, “TAP has given me the ability to still carve for my own pleasure.”
Dr. Dave Williams, President and CEO of the hospital, called TAP a regional model for all of Canada, not only exemplifying Southlake's motto of “Putting Patients First... but also treating patients as family.” The close relationship between patients and the multidisciplinary medical team, which includes a dietitian, kinesiologist, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, rheumatologists, and social workers, has transformed lives, Dr. Williams said. “This program has influenced the practice of care,” not only in Canada but around the world.
Leading the program are Dr. Carter Thorne, and Lorna Bain, co-ordinator. Both praised the interdisciplinary “care and collaboration that are so core to the success of TAP.”
With 131 variations of Arthritis, each patient is unique, Bain noted. TAP has been able to help individuals beyond their “pain, fatigue, loss of independence... to reclaim their life and continue their art.”
“Patients and clinicians are active participants,” said Dr. Thorne, and the results are “among the best outcomes in the world.... Here's to another 25 years.”
TAP is offered at The Tannery, in Newmarket. Through its multidisciplinary, collaborative approach, the program provides diagnosis, education and treatment, to help patients manage their arthritis, and reduce the impact of symptoms on their lives. For information contact 905-895-4521 ext. 2345.