Having a bit of both I'd say definitely short term. I seem to have inherited the dodgy genes whereas my brother is never ill, the main pain causer is my arthritis and however much I have adapted, it will never go and will get worse, but I don't see the point in moping.
It has been a learning curve, having been so active when I was younger, learning all the things I now can't do but there are always other things to do. My friends go walking up a hill or mountain, I go and potter about the nearest town or village with my camera, they go skiing or ice skating, I go photograph, they do charity runs and such, I go cheer them on and get a photo of them crossing the finish line. I still have a great time, it's just perspective.
I can't say it doesn't get me down, of course it does but giving up won't solve a thing, it won't pay my rent or bills. I work hard, an average of over 11 hours a day and many late nights and weekends in a "no illness" culture and I get exhausted and fed up but something keeps me going. The pain is always there but you carry on because you have to.
Would I trade for a short spell of agony? Too bloody right I would. Then again, I'm sure I could have an easier life in many ways but I was never one to take the easy option and at least with something to overcome, there is a sense of achievement involved so every cloud and all that :)
Am hoping that makes some kind of sense, the above is the post large glass of vino version :)