By the time she was 40, the disease had taken its toll and she took an early retirement with a disability. But today, three years later, the Black Jack, Missouri, resident is back in the swing of things, full of plans for the future. French credits an Arthritis Self-Help Course she took where she learned how to live with arthritis.
Education is the key, says French.
Every day, French uses what she learned in the Self-Help class. For example, when exercising, she has learned to do what she can. Don t be embarrassed if you have to exercise from a chair, French says. Do something you can do. For example, because mornings can be difficult, she recommends setting clothing and breakfast items out the night before.