My Story
In the winter of 2022/2023, after recovering from double pneumonia and experiencing joint pain in my hands and feet, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a degenerative autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
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Over the past few years, running has been essential for maintaining my balance and well-being. When I received the diagnosis, I was overwhelmed by a range of emotions: confusion, loneliness, anger. I withdrew, feeling isolated by this new reality and fearing that I might never be able to run again.
I told myself that if I ever ran a marathon, it would have to be London—one of the world’s seven major marathons, where I’ve lived for the past three years. I would do it to support research into rheumatoid arthritis, raise awareness among those around me, and share my story.
The first signs of rheumatoid arthritis
The first signs of rheumatoid arthritis appeared one morning when I woke up with intense pain in my arm, preventing me from getting out of bed. I had difficulty dressing, brushing my teeth, and styling my hair. Simple tasks, like putting on a sock, had become complicated.
Later, I began to feel pain in several areas of my body, particularly in my hands and feet. Ordinary things such as opening a jar, carrying plates, holding cutlery, or cooking became painful.
​I then experienced very intense pain in my wrists and in my knees, which woke me up at night. These pains, comparable to those of a fracture, were so severe that I had to stay still and avoid any movement.
I never know when they might occur or how often. I noticed that disturbances in my sleep cycle increased the pain. I also had a nutritional assessment to identify inflammatory foods.
These are chronic pains that come and go, which is why, when they are less intense or seem to disappear, we tend to worry less, forget about them, and neglect to seek treatment.
Supported by
Raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue about rheumatoid arthritis.
