Lyndsey's story: How to make the most of the festive season living with arthritis

Lynsey Knight, 41, from Essex, has had Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) for 40 years and her daughter Mia, seven, was diagnosed with polyarticular JIA in 2019. Whilst Lynsey is feeling optimistic having just been offered her first biologic, Mia is currently suffering a flare after two years in remission. While the unpredictability of JIA is challenging, Lynsey and husband Lee, 38, are determined to make the most of the festive season.

"I absolutely love Christmas and always try to make it magical for our daughter, Mia, going all out with the decorations, music and classic Christmas movies. We plan to visit Father Christmas, enjoy some markets and generally be as Christmassy as possible but, it can be a stressful time of year and, potentially, impact on your immune system and arthritis."

Mum and daughter living with arthritis

"Mia was diagnosed with polyarticular JIA at Christmas 2019 and had been in remission for two years before a recent flare which means she’ll need to go back on medication. I’ve had JIA since childhood and for the last few years I'm dealing with it unmedicated and unsupported but I'm due to start on etanercept in January which will, hopefully, help."

"JIA does mean I can’t always face the queue for Santa which is difficult to accept. I’ve had to learn to know my limits rather than pushing myself one day only to set myself back for a week. Arthritis is so changeable that it’s difficult to predict whether it’s going to be a good day or a bad day when booking things so, my advice is always have a plan B."

"If you can’t face the hustle and bustle of a Christmas market, bring that magic home by decorating baubles, baking cookies or just sitting and watching a festive film with a hot chocolate. Be adaptable, be creative and just be together."

Don't put too much pressure on yourself

"Biologics have been a game-changer for Mia and I’m glad I’ve finally been offered etanercept because it has been a struggle but I refuse to miss out on the social side of Christmas, catching up with family and friends, because that would be letting arthritis win. It’s all about not putting too much pressure on yourself and enlisting support. I’m lucky my husband is massively supportive but, if you’re on Christmas dinner duty, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring dessert, they will be happy to help."

"And don’t feel like you have to make your own Christmas cake, mince pies or even parsnips and sprouts for lunch – there’s plenty of delicious food that’s ready-made. I use frozen veg year-round because arthritis means I’m not always able to peel and chop. At the end of the day, it’s not about making the food, it’s about getting together and eating the food."

"Even in remission, Mia got fatigued, which may be the general tiredness of a seven-year-old doing a lot of activities after school, and, with work and parenting, I’m often in bed early. Fatigue can feel especially challenging if you’re not at home so, if you’re a guest this Christmas, make sure you are prepared and pack whatever you need, whether that’s an electric blanket or slippers."

"Don’t overdo it and, if you are feeling tired, go have a little nap because people will understand. And remember, everyone falls asleep at Christmas after all that food and drink!"

Festive gift advice

"Online shopping is a true friend to anyone with arthritis, if you’re having a flare the last thing you need is walking around a shopping centre in the cold. If you really don’t want to miss out on the Christmas retail vibe, get the fire on, play festive tunes and have a Baileys while you shop."

"Wrapping can be a struggle if arthritis affects your hands so, don't! Lots of stores offer a wrapping service or just grab a giftbag and tissue paper. People won’t care, they’ll just appreciate the fact you’ve thought about them."

"Same goes for cards, so order them ready-written online or make a donation to a charity rather than sending any at all. I find most people would prefer a catch up on the phone than a card, there’s so many ways to show people you’re thinking of them at this time of year. Plus, you’ll save a fortune in stamps."

A JIA story

"I was diagnosed decades before my daughter and I can say that the path to getting a diagnosis has definitely improved. Mia was straight into hydrotherapy, medication and appointments where as I wasn’t even offered methotrexate when I was little so the medical knowledge around arthritis is much better."

"However, people still tend not to be aware that children can get arthritis and the impact that it can have which is why I’ve written a book, ‘Why do I hurt? A JIA Story’. It’s our story and I’m hoping it will help parents explain to their children what’s happening to their body."

"I also recorded an album, Magical Christmas, two years ago in support of Arthritis UK, nine covers of popular Christmas songs and an original song I wrote about Mia which is still available on Spotify and Apple Music. It’s about raising funds and awareness for Arthritis UK and the vital work they do for those of us living with this condition."