A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Bones, Muscles & Joints Q&A with Michael Kuluva Fashion Designer & Arthritis Advocate
When did you first get diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis? I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in December 2011. I was going to school for fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles when I had a sharp pain in my back which led me to seek medical assistance. That physician then referred me to see a rheumatologist for testing to see if I had rheumatoid arthritis, which the tests showed I did. I then went for more testing and a second, plus a third opinion from other rheumatologists to make sure I was diagnosed correctly.
What has your experience been like dealing with the condition? At first, when I was diagnosed with RA, I was scared about the unknown of this disease; however, since becoming more active within the arthritis community, I've found that keeping my daily routine really helps with my arthritis. Staying healthy, eating the right foods, staying hydrated, and ensuring I keep my body and mind active is very important in reducing flare-ups of this disease.
As a brand builder and leading fashion designer who pursues an active life, how has your lifestyle changed after being diagnosed? When I started taking medication for my arthritis in 2011, my life changed dramatically by slowing me down and sometimes being unable to get out of bed. I needed to find the correct medicine and combination of medications
that worked with my body and fastpaced lifestyle. It took many years for me to find this right combination; however, once I did, I could live the active lifestyle required for my profession. I still listen to my body every day and make adjustments when needed.
The motivation of other arthritis patients keeps me going each day.
In your opinion, are there any misconceptions amongst men in society dealing with arthritis?
I feel men in society have to hide their arthritis. The stigma that could come What motivates you to advocate along with this disease and the pain for arthritis patients? they feel with arthritis makes many After being diagnosed with RA, men not want to show others in society their true feelings. Society still I tried to find more information has an expectation for men to stay about the condition, and also for strong and stoic. I ot her younger think men can be patients like me whom I could relate more vulnerable to. Unfortunately, and should speak Lives of patients with out about their arthsocial media was RA can be improved not as present back ritis. Being vocal by being a part of the about your arthritis then as it is now, so helps society move it was very difficult arthritis community to find other arthforward. and really getting ritis patients like invovled in patient myself. After estabHow can the care — even if it's lishing myself in my lives of patients your own. A safe place career, I decided I dealing with RA to which others can could take the next be improved? relate is important step in telling my Lives of patients with and can be very RA can be improved personal arthritis beneficial physically story to the public, by being a part of the and mentally. which could be arthritis community and really getting inspiring to other involved in patient newly diagnosed patients or other younger patients care — even if it's your own. A safe that can relate. place to which others can relate is Ever since my story came out, important and can be very beneficial I really found a place in the arthphysically and mentally. ritis community for my voice to be Also, with new arthritis medications becoming available, arthritis heard and also for it to help others. Since this disease cannot be seen all patients with their rheumatologists the time, patient voices, advocacy, should seek the best medication to and stories are extremely important. cope with their arthritis.
Publisher: Taskeen Afshan Business Development Manager: Karim Jooma Senior Strategic Account Manager: Anna Sibiga Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Content Strategist: Emma Yordanov Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content & Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designer: Lauren Livingston Lead Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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