Darragh Burke - Living with rheumatoid arthritis

Darragh Burke (45) was working as a carpenter, when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 19 years ago. An active sportsman who played football for Wicklow, as well as hurling and rugby, his life changed utterly with the progression of his disease.

After a while, he was unable even to get out of bed on his own. While his life was changing utterly, Darragh refused to give up. When he was well enough he resumed exercising and in 2009 and 2011 had his hips replaced. He re-trained, and today works for a construction safety company, where his boss understands what it's like to live with an invisible disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 45,000 people in Ireland. Some 2,000 people are diagnosed annually in this country; the majority aged in their 30s, 40s or 50s. Three in four people living with RA are women. Early diagnosis is key to better long-term outcomes. If ignored or left undiagnosed, this chronic disease can impact other organs such as the heart, eyes and lungs, and ultimately can increase mortality.

This video is produced as part of the Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis information and awareness campaign. The objective of the campaign is to increase public understanding of the disease, so that people are better informed about symptoms and are encouraged to engage with their health care professionals if they have any concerns about their health.

Living with RA is supported by MSD Ireland.