My story: Sara

Sara was born in 1967 and has lived most of her adult life with pain, stiffness, and surgeries. Yet when she talks about her life, it is not the pain that takes center stage, but movement, determination, and strength.

Her problems began relatively early in life. First came osteoarthritis in her knees, followed by her feet. Over time, she underwent numerous surgeries, which she estimates to be around 16 or 17 procedures on various joints affected by osteoarthritis. Foot surgery, in particular, has been challenging, involving several revision operations and long periods of rehabilitation.

Despite everything, she sees these surgeries as essential for continuing to live the life she wants to live. The alternative, becoming sedentary, has never appealed to her.

Activity as a Driving Force

Sara describes herself as someone who has always needed movement in her life. From a young age, nature, sports, and physical activity were her main sources of energy. Sitting still and "taking it easy" has never been her way.

It is precisely this mindset that has led her to agree to repeated surgeries, despite how numerous and demanding they have been. The operations have enabled her to continue living in a way that matters to her.

Family Life and Limitations

When her condition became more severe, her children were still young. Although she personally felt restricted, particularly during periods of casts, pain, and recovery, she believes her children never saw her as ill. She continued to participate in outings and activities, sometimes with adaptations, but most often as a fully engaged participant.

Maintaining a positive outlook has been important, both for her own well-being and for her family's.

Sudden Decline and the Discovery of Hip Dysplasia

In 2011, everything changed rapidly. She began to limp significantly, struggled to stand up, and felt pain in her hip with even the slightest movement.

The following year, she received a total hip replacement in her left hip. During the process, something was discovered that had never previously been investigated: she had hip dysplasia, a congenital malformation of the hip joint.

Looking back, she has wondered whether there were early signs. She was born nine weeks premature after a complicated pregnancy, and her mother had noticed as early as childhood that she walked somewhat differently. Despite this, she remained highly physically active throughout childhood and early adulthood, including horseback riding, without any obvious hip-related problems. Later fractures in both shoulders, occurring without any known trauma, have also raised questions about possible underlying congenital factors, but no comprehensive investigation has ever been carried out.

Pain, Work, and Coping Strategies

Following her hip replacement, Sara was granted disability benefits and has worked part-time since 2014. However, pain has become more pronounced over the years.

Pain rehabilitation has been highly valuable, providing practical tools for managing everyday life, including physical activity, yoga, and mental coping strategies. As a Christian, Sara also finds strength in meditation and spirituality.

"Many people ask, 'How do you keep going?'" she says. "But I feel that I've become stronger because of all this."

Her Dog, the Forest, and Quality of Life

The decision to get a dog reflects Sara's active outlook on life, despite knowing that future surgeries and limitations were likely. Her dog is a central part of her life, contributing to daily exercise, time in nature, and joy.

The support of the people around her also means a great deal. She is not facing these challenges alone, and that makes a difference.

Being Taken Seriously

One issue that Sara considers especially important is how people respond to osteoarthritis. She feels that the condition is often minimized, as though it is simply something people have to put up with and not a "real" disease. She emphasizes how important it is to be taken seriously. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that can affect every aspect of a person's life.

Sara's story is characterized by activity, adaptation, and a strong determination to continue living a meaningful life.