When Silvan Cortis’s symptoms of pain and paralysis were diagnosed, the last thing he thought he had was a rare type of arthritis.

At 26, he had just married Maria, led an active life and worked as a maintenance manager.

“I am one in a million,” he says, smiling. “I have palindromic rheumatoid arthritis and as far as I know I am the only one with the condition in Malta,” Mr Cortis said, as the world this week raises awareness about arthritis.

People with palindromic rheumatism get attacks of joint pain and inflammation. It is one of some 100 types of arthritis, but it is a rare condition which has not researched much.

When he was just about to turn 27, seven years ago, Mr Cortis woke up in huge pain and could not move. Feeling “completely paralysed”, he spent two months in hospital. It took even longer for his symptoms to be diagnosed.

Initially it was believed he had a blood infection, and at one point a doctor told him “Silvan we don’t know what to test you for anymore.”

There is one secret: look at the positive things in life

“I did not know people my age could have arthritis, and I had only heard older people complaining of it. My first reaction actually was: I aged quickly. I had never heard of the condition before, so I did my own research.”

Eventually he came across the local Arthritis and Rheumatism Association and, guided by his doctor, Mr Cortis started receiving treatment. He could then return to work, sometimes having to adapt to the pain by not doing work that would tire him out.

“Sometimes I do get a bad day, but life goes on and I just go to work limping. The same way some people have to get used to their high blood pressure, I get used to occasional pain in my arm or leg. “There is one secret: look at the positive things in life. Seven years ago I could not even crawl – today I walk normally. Yesterday I was in huge pain, I could barely walk. This morning I felt better.

“Keeping a positive attitude, rather than pitying yourself will give you the energy to move on,” he said.

Since Mr Cortis had to stop extreme outdoor activities like abseiling, he enrolled within several associations and tries to walk for at least an hour every day.

“I am not scared of how I’ll end up in the future. I have managed to live for 33 years. I’ll cross future bridges when I come to them.”

Today, Mr Cortis will be helping organise a conference marking World Arthritis Day which falls on Sunday. Registration for the conference, organised by the Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta, opens at 6pm at the Imperial Hotel in Sliema.

The Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta is made up of a group of people who receive support from professionals and help each other lead a normal life.

Common symptoms:

• Stiffness at the joints for at least one hour in the morning.
• Warmth, redness or swelling in one or more joints.
• Recurring pain or tenderness in a joint.
• Difficulty in moving normally.

More information on 9925 9532 or aramalta@gmail.com.

www.aramalta.com

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