The annual ARThritis Soiree was only a couple weeks away and I needed a new dress for the occasion. The ARThritis Soiree is an elegant inspirational evening hosted by Arthritis Research Canada that combines different forms of art in conjunction with supporting arthritis research and raising awareness of the many types of inflammatory arthritis thousands of people live with everyday. A few years ago, I was honored to share my own story at this event and help raise essential funds for ongoing arthritis research. Since that time, I’ve attended as a guest to cheer on other arthritis warriors, such as Olympic snowboarder Spencer O’Brien and 15-year-old Elise who has already endured multiple surgeries.
Shopping for the dress was more challenging than I anticipated. I don’t like shopping at the best of times, although my dislike for shopping has more to do with impatience and time than with arthritis, although RA has been giving me some trouble in that department. I went to a local store and a lovely salesclerk led me to a tiny cubicle with a selection of carefully chosen dresses. I picked one, inspected it, couldn’t see any zippers or buttons, so I assumed I had to pull it over my head. I pulled it part way over my head, but couldn’t navigate it past my shoulders, and even though I was assured it was the right size, I didn’t want to force it. My arms were trapped within its body-hugging material, and my shoulder began to ache. I couldn’t manoeuvre it over my torso. As I stood there entangled in material, I imagined the loud tearing of the delicate (and expensive) fabric if I continued, so I gave up. The same happened with each dress I picked up – I was getting frustrated, and my dislike for shopping started to swell.
I exited the dressing room and the clerk asked how it went. I wanted to say “fine thank-you” but then I’d be leaving the store without a dress – instead I took a breath, explained to her that I had RA and was having some difficulty trying them on. She offered to help, and I accepted. It turned out a couple of the dresses had zippers, but they were so small I didn’t see them and couldn’t grip them. She chose a classic vintage-style dress and easily manoeuvred it over my head – the dress tumbled effortlessly over my body. It was perfect and I never would have known if I hadn’t accepted her help.
Dressing is one of many tasks’ RA alters. It’s become a bit more of a challenge for me in the last couple of years – my fingers don’t grip the buttons or zippers quite as well as they used to, my range of motion has decreased, and a rotator cuff injury in my left shoulder has made it difficult to put on shirts and jackets without the aid of my partner. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable to ask for help because we think it’s a basic task we should be able to do for ourselves, but it’s no different than asking someone to open a jar or take down a heavy dish from the kitchen cupboard. If you don’t live with anyone that can help, you can ask your specialist to refer you to an occupational therapist who can provide tips and tricks on how to manage basic tasks at home.
RA makes us courageous by asking for support. We always asked for help when we were children – in adulthood we lost that simple wisdom, but with chronic illness it’s important to reclaim it, to embrace that fearlessness and self-assurance. I reached out, got what I needed and even treated myself to a pair of dainty silver shoes with wedge heels.
It’s difficult to bend to the whims of chronic illness, but our bodies and minds are made to be adaptable, and it’s up to us to take that power and use it to our advantage.
As for the dress, the unveiling will take place in a matter of days…and I’ll be back to share the evening with you.
In the meantime, stay well my friends.
The Old Lady in my Bones 
oh tough one. Yes, trying on clothes is tough, tough, tough. I am swollen with weight from the prednisone so it adds to the awkward hand movements involved in trying something on – and hot sweats–a wet body on top of it all. Just hate it.
It’s challenging at the best of times to try on clothing – I can’t imagine dealing with hot sweats as well. I’m sure it’s quite uncomfortable. Wishing you better days soon.
Getting dressed is one of the hardest things for me to do and a major reason that I could no longer work in a company office full time any more. Courage always has rewards and the courage it took for you to ask for help will no doubt pay us all rewards when we see the unveiling (soon!!!!). So glad everything worked out!
I don’t shop often and when I do it’s for very low maintenance clothing – cocktail dresses are a whole different beast. 🙂 I’m glad I had the right person to help me find my dress. Stay well.
Beautiful shoes. Enjoy your gala
Thank you. I am looking forward to it. It’s always a lovely evening with an important message. Hope you are well 🙂
Oh man the top button on the dress shirt. It is a killer. Add in tying a tie, tucking in the pump tubing time after time, avoiding the CGM and then to make it all cool, tie those damn shoes. It may be the one frustration men and women share, but of course in different ways.
Naw, I am teasing. Women have it way worse. But I got some sympathy there for a second. 🙂
LOL – I think both men and woman with arthritis share the same challenges in clothing, especially when it comes to clasps, zippers and buttons. Hope all is well with you. 🙂 Cheers.