Carol, About.com's Guide to Arthritis, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the prime of life, at age 19. Carol's husband Rick, who also had rheumatoid arthritis and was her co-guide on About.com and partner in every way, passed away in September 2010.
Experience:
Carol worked as a Registered Medical Technologist in a hospital laboratory for 16 years until arthritis prematurely ended her career. After leaving her job in the laboratory, Carol started and moderated the first weekly Rheumatoid Arthritis Chatroom/Support Group on America Online in 1995.
Carol has been the original Guide to About.com's Arthritis website since 1997 and the Osteoarthritis website since 2007. As a writer and patient advocate for people living with arthritis and chronic illness, Carol authored 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). She is currently a member of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP).
From Carol Eustice:
Arthritis is a prevalent disease. About 50 million adults have self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 21 million adults have arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation.
Arthritis is not a single disease. The term "arthritis" refers to a group of more than 100 different diseases and conditions that have characteristic 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. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age.
I'm here to help you understand essential information about arthritis, including the signs and symptoms, how to get diagnosed, medication options, natural remedies, and other treatments. I'll share my insight on living and coping with arthritis, too, while offering practical advice to help you manage your illness.
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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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