Jointman, A Survival Guide for Rheumatoid Arthritis

About the Book

Jointman, A Survival Guide for Rheumatoid Arthritis, by Robert B.W. Morton B.A., B.E.D. is a self-help book as well as a personal testimonial, as the author describes his medical history relating to this debilitating disease, from initial diagnosis, to prescribed medications and their side-effects, to surgery, and resulting post-surgical trauma, stress and depression. This book takes a positive stance, as medical, emotional and spiritual concerns are all addressed, and solutions are revealed. Some areas included in the 14 chapters are: Identifying RA, Debilitation and Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgery, Stress, Nutrition and Weight Control, The 4 Keys to Spiritual Healing, Support Groups, and Surviving Tomorrow. Robert Morton is a teacher and formerly a skier, hockey player, varsity fencer at the University of Western Ontario, a drummer, long-distance runner, artist and draftsman. All these skills and talents were visciously stripped away one afternoon, as arthritis lashed out and cut Rob down, eventually rolling him into a stiff immovable ball. After struggling with all the various hardships associated with this disease over the next 22 years, Rob has develpoed solutions and strategies to defend against the darker side of arthritis, and his coping skills have afforded him a positive outlook, and a future that includes returning to work, and living a complete, full life. Jointman includes a forward by Dr.Sharon Le Clercq, a leading rheumatologist, and Mr.Morton's doctor for over 10 years. Dr. LeClercq became Rob's confidant and assisted greatly in the final compilation of this unique manuscript. Any person suffering from arthritis and looking for answers, will greatly appreciate this first-hand view of the disease, and associated coping strategies. Jointman is a winner in every sense of the word.

About the Author

Robert Morton is 54 years old and has been a high school teacher for 30 years, minus time for joint replacement surgery (3 years). Another replacement is scheduled for February '07.

Rob lives in Mayerthorpe, Alberta and is married to Sandy, his wife of 31 years, and has one son, Drew who is 14 years old.

Rob graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1975 with a B.A. in Geography and Phys.Ed. Rob completed a Diploma in Architectural Technology from N.A.I.T. (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) in 1984.

Rob's passions include watching his son play hockey, sharing a 32 year love affair with Sandy, painting and laughing with his students. Writing has always been an interest of Rob's, but this is the first manuscript that he has completed and considered for publication.

Coping with arthritis has been an up and down struggle with Rob over the last 22 years, but with an amazing amount of help, finally he has developed a way of coping and surviving. Jointman is an expression of Rob's attempt to pass on what he has learned to other arthritics.