Eastbourne man with severe arthiritis speaks out to help others in ‘dark times’

Keir Anstey, from Old Town, has shared his struggle with arthritis as part of a nationwide campaign called It’s not alright, it’s arthritis organised by Versus Arthiritis, a leading arthritis charity.

The campaign tells the stories of those living with the condition who have lost the things people may take for granted like intimacy, independence, the ability to earn a living or in Keir’s case, his passion for sports.

Keir said, “I’m hoping to help others who are in a similar position to me. I found things really hard mentally for a long time and I don’t think many people knew – probably only my wife, who has been an incredible support.

“That’s why the campaign is so good – I’d have loved to have heard from other people in dark times. I think it would have helped even just knowing other people were dealing with these emotions.

“I have lost my biggest passion in life, which is sport. Not being able to compete and play has hurt a lot. I was a PE teacher but had to transfer to become a history teacher because I couldn’t do the practical elements I needed to.”

Keir, a former Norwich City youth player, said lockdown has made his recovery process difficult after undergoing knee replacement surgery six months ago.

He said, “Before this I had other surgeries in an attempt to lessen the effects of arthritis, but they were mostly unsuccessful. By this point, I was having steroid injections just to get through the day.

“After getting in from work and putting my children to bed I was medicating with tramadol, but this couldn’t go on so I had the total knee replacement.

“Lockdown has made the recovery process difficult as I haven’t got access to the wonderful support I was receiving from physios, who offered lower limb classes and hydrotherapy.”

Keir said it took him a ‘long time’ to deal with his condition and how his mindset has changed over time.

He said, “In terms of outlook and emotion, it has taken me a long time to deal with having such severe arthritis. I used to think about the things that have been taken away and how difficult simple manual tasks were.

“I’m grateful that, with the support of my family and friends, I’m in a much better position now. I try to focus on the positive, but it’s been much more challenging during lockdown.”

Keir issued a message to the public who may think arthiritis in a younger person is just ‘wear and tear’.

He said, “It is so much more, it is pain that doesn’t ever leave you. It becomes a part of you that you can’t escape, but only manage. Pain is debilitating but not just physically, it’s the mental side that is hardest to manage.

“The invisible nature of the condition means you are constantly hiding how you feel and people are unaware of how bad things are.”

The condition, according to Versus Arthiritis, affects over 10 million people in the UK, two thirds of whom are under the age of 65.

If members of the public are affected by anything raised in this article, they can the call Versus Arthritis helpline on 0800 5200 520 or email [email protected]

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