Arthritis diagnosis shapes personal and professional future of student

A GCU student has opened up on his personal journey with arthritis and how it’s inspired him to help other young people living with the disease.

Damian McNee was diagnosed with arthritis when he was just 14 years old. Despite a range of physical and mental challenges, he has used his experience to help educate others through his work with UK charity, Versus Arthritis.

“I wanted to help other people avoid going through the loneliness I felt when I was first diagnosed,” explained Damian.

“I’d had symptoms for ages, which included pain, stiffness and fatigue. I also basically lost the ability to write but the occupational therapist I worked with gave me a lot of support, including special pens which really made a big difference. They really helped give me my confidence back and also developed my interest in becoming an occupational therapist myself.

“Despite this, I still found it difficult mentally. I wasn’t really aware of the charity at the time, but as soon as I heard about the work they’re involved in I knew I wanted to get involved.”

Damian joined the Young People’s Panel, a support network that allows people aged 16-25 to positively influence the work of the charity.

He said: “I only started getting involved last summer after seeing an advertisement on Facebook. We meet online every month and have two or three sessions face-to-face every year. We help draft up policies and support individuals’ transition from child services to adult services. We’re also looking to contribute to research and help improve the overall support on offer to young people aged 16-25.”

Damian added: “There’s a perception that arthritis only really affects older people, but that’s not the case. In the UK, there’s about 15,000 children and young people affected by it.

“The first meeting was the first time I’ve met anyone my age that’s living with arthritis. It made me feel part of a community and allowed me to address the challenges I faced rather than just ignore them.”

Versus Arthritis were recently invited to a musculoskeletal event at the Scottish Parliament, with Damian making the most of the opportunity to get involved.

“It was great because it gave the members of the Young People’s Panel the chance to talk about the work we do.

“There were also a number of different speeches. I never delivered one, but I did get the chance to speak to some of the Glasgow MSPs around what I’d experienced and the work we do to try and get funds. It was a great opportunity for me to network and share my passion.”

Currently in his second year at GCU, Damian plans to continue his work with Versus Arthritis alongside his studies.

He explained: “I always find myself bringing my coursework into what I do with the charity. My views are developed from being an occupational therapist, and it’s definitely been beneficial to bring in my experience from the course and provide that different viewpoint.

“You really do think the worst when you get that diagnosis, and I initially thought arthritis was going to have a hugely negative impact on my life. I now realise that I can still live a good life, and I’m just happy to help others do the same.”

By Ross Clark     
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