Fig. 2

Conceptual model: (a) living precariously with rheumatoid arthritis & (b) reframing the situation. Presents our conceptual model: (a) Rheumatoid arthritis controls my body and alters the reciprocity of my relationships. It is an emotional challenge and balancing roles is precarious. Rheumatoid arthritis disrupts who I am and my vision for the future. I try to make sense of what is happening but my condition is unpredictable, variable, and sometimes invisible. A positive experience of healthcare would give some stability in this precarious situation. (b) Reframing the situation and living well with rheumatoid arthritis means finding a balance between independence and dependence: accepting the body’s imitations and realising that it is OK to seek and accept help. Focus on personal growth, think positively and find purpose