Living with Resilience: Marianne’s Story of Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“I’m far more than my diagnosis. I’m not just a set of files in the GP’s office. I’m a whole person and I need to act and help myself be whole.”

For World Arthritis Day, we spoke with Marianne, who shared her story of resilience, adaptation, and strength while living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 25 years.

Introducing Marianne

Marianne, 65, is a recently retired university lecturer taking time to decide what’s next. Married for 36 years to a fruit farmer, she’s a proud mum of two grown daughters, one of whom recently married her high school sweetheart.

After a long career in academia, Marianne realised during the COVID period that the stress of her work was taking a toll on her health. “It was all pretty stressful and I was struggling with my wellbeing,” she said.

About Her Diagnosis

Marianne was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1998, a year after the birth of her second daughter. “It took ages, literally ages, to convince my GP that something was wrong,” she said. “I had to do the research myself and push for answers.”

Living with the condition through her children’s lives has been one of her greatest challenges. “There were times that were very, very difficult with two young children, unbelievable fatigue, and joint pain. It’s been a constant learning curve.”

Over time, Marianne also developed hypothyroidism, adding to the complexity. “Finding a healthcare practitioner who will treat me as a whole person and not just a condition is getting more and more difficult,” she reflected. “It’s not just about treating symptoms, it’s about seeing the whole body and the interactions.”

Strength in Daily Life

“It’s taught me a whole heap about resilience and inner strength,” Marianne said. “I wouldn’t be here now in reasonably good health and heart without my husband, children, and close friends.”

She describes herself as “stubborn,” determined not to be defined by her condition. “My condition is part of who I am, but I don’t want it to be any more or any less than the other parts of me.”

Her strength, she says, comes from “listening to my body, being brutally honest, and knowing that even if something isn’t possible today, it doesn’t mean it never will be.”

Facing Obstacles

Marianne has learned that stress can quickly trigger flares. “The biggest challenge has been keeping my energy levels for work,” she said. “Before COVID, I realised I couldn’t continue at that pace, so I moved into another university role to safeguard my wellbeing. One of my greatest prides is that I made it to 65 before retiring, there were times I didn’t think that would be possible.”

She’s also proud she sought support when needed. “Being open with my employer meant I could bring my best self to work every day.”

Future Aspirations

Marianne’s goals now centre on maintaining her health and wellbeing. “That means strength training, Pilates, cardio, daily walks with my lovely dog, eating well, and getting quality rest. Probably like most mums, I’d love to be a grandmother one day, and I want to be fit and healthy enough to enjoy that.”

Marianne’s Advice for Others

“If I could give advice to others, I’d say three things,” Marianne shared.

“One: count your blessings and try not to define yourself by your condition. Two: trust your inner voice when you know you need to ease off commitments, that’s not failing, that’s safeguarding yourself. And three: let others help when you need it. You’re not in this alone.”

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Reflections

Marianne’s story embodies resilience and aspiration, showing how self-awareness, determination, and support can help people with rheumatoid arthritis live full, purposeful lives.