“The time patients spend seeing doctors is limited, and often they have to rely on themselves. Therefore, understanding their condition and knowing what they can do is crucial.” At 63 years old, Hou Qihua has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for over twenty years. From initially being unfamiliar with the disease to now managing her condition and even becoming a peer tutor and trainer in self-management programs.
Penny’s condition is not light, with the main pain concentrated in her fingers and wrists, but sometimes the pain can occur in different parts of her body from head to toe. The pain also shifts from the left side to the right and then back to the left, never-ending. Despite joint deformities, Penny is still able to walk normally, take care of household chores, look after her father, and participate in various activities. Over the past twenty years, she has participated in hydrotherapy classes, exercise classes, long-term illness self-management programs, emotional courses, and life education courses. In the long-term illness self-management program, Penny was recognized by her tutors and invited to become a peer tutor and trainer.
“For me, CRN is like a guiding light when I can’t see the way forward.” Penny describes herself as being shy and reserved in the past, and she had some concerns about becoming a peer tutor. It was the encouragement from many tutors that brought about a transformation in her, making her more confident and self-assured. Be it leading a group, explaining her physical condition to doctors, or on her daily work, this newfound confidence has had a positive impact on her in many aspects.
Penny has been serving as a peer tutor since 2001, leading groups for a decade, both in-person and online. Even now, she remains enthusiastic about this role. “Although the content of the six-session course is basically the same each time, I always prepare seriously and never feel numb. With different participants and medical conditions, different sparks are ignited.” As she recalls her first time leading a group, Penny was still working at the time and jokes that she would secretly review the content at the office and even take holiday to lead the group at the center.
“As an example, I must strive because we need to establish action plans together with group members.” Penny values every self-management class and hopes to lead by example and become a role model for group members. Even when there are no groups, Penny regularly sets action plans for herself and participates in other volunteer services, such as answering calls at the center, assisting in activities for people with disabilities, and volunteering at Barrier Busters event. Compared to friendship and knowledge, learning to set action plans for herself, giving herself direction and goals, has been her greatest gain in recent years, driving her to continue progressing.