For people living with arthritis, the condition is rarely just about sore joints. It affects energy, mood, independence, finances, relationships and mental wellbeing.
Donna Horgan knows this firsthand. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in her teens after years of unexplained pain as a child, arthritis has been part of her life for decades. Now approaching 60, Donna says she is learning that living well with arthritis is possible, but it requires knowledge, self-leadership and support.
Learning to live with pain and fatigue
For Donna, pain and fatigue have been constant companions. Flare‑ups have shaped her ability to work, socialise and plan ahead.
“Arthritis teaches you that you can’t live the way you used to,” she explains. “You have to learn a different way of managing your energy — and that takes time.”
For many years, Donna pushed through pain, often hiding how much she was struggling. Others could not see the exhaustion, joint damage or daily effort required to function.
Over time, ignoring her body came at a cost.
When pushing no longer works
In recent years, severe spinal deterioration left Donna largely immobile and led to several major medical events, including spinal surgery, a coronary episode and a serious spinal infection.
“That was the point where everything stopped,” she says. “I couldn’t keep pushing. I had to learn something different.”
A turning point came when Donna participated in a Pain Management Programme through her public hospital. Working with pain specialists, an occupational therapist and a psychologist helped her understand how pain works, not just in the body, but in the brain.
“I learned that pain doesn’t mean you’re failing,” she says. “It means your system needs care, boundaries and pacing.”
These days, Donna manages her pain proactively. She plans activity around her energy levels, rests before exhaustion takes hold, and breaks tasks into achievable steps. Pain medication is used thoughtfully, not reactively.
Today, Donna walks daily when she can, prepares simple meals and structures her days carefully.
“Making a meal, going for a short walk, keeping up with reading — those things matter,” she says. “They are part of building a life you can live with arthritis.”
Connection also plays a vital role. Online communities, learning opportunities and staying mentally engaged help reduce isolation. Her dog provides constant companionship and motivation.
“I feel more in control now than I ever have,” she says. “I’m not fighting my body anymore, I’m learning to work with it.”
Get involved
We love hearing from people living with arthritis and, if you ever feel comfortable sharing your story, we’d love to hear from you. There’s no pressure at all, but your experience may help others living with arthritis feel understood and less alone.
There are other ways to be part of our community, too. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can find out more about volunteering with Arthritis NZ.
If you’d like to share your story or simply get in touch, you can leave us a message through Contact us.
