Somerset King, a young mother with rheumatoid arthritis, describes her quest for a drug-free future

Five years ago I went to my doctor as I was having pains in my left knuckle. At the time I was a teacher and was finding marking my pupils’ books difficult. I thought it was just repetitive strain injury but my doctor did an anti-CCP blood test, which came back as positive and I was referred to a rheumatology unit.
I had a three year old and an 18 month old and I thought my world had ended. I was worried about the future and what this diagnosis meant for me. All the research I did was clear in stating there was no cure and rheumatoid arthritis is a disease you just have to live with. I think the worst part is that it’s invisible to the outside world – I looked like a regular 27 year old but the pain and tiredness I eventually encountered were indescribable.

The right combination

Starting medications was a difficult time, with constant blood tests to monitor side effects. Waiting in the blood test unit with two young children – sometimes for hours – was terrible.
I began finding everyday tasks more challenging, changing nappies, doing up little zips and poppers on babygrows. The rheumatoid arthritis started affecting my knees and feet; climbing stairs in the evening was so painful that I would cry or go up on my bottom. My feet hurt when I walked so I was referred to a podiatrist who made insoles for my shoes.
Over the next two years I was prescribed a number of drugs: sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, diclofenac and methotrexate (tablets). In April 2012 I was suffering with stiffness and was tearful at how my symptoms were affecting my everyday life. My disease activity scores confirmed fairly active arthritis. I was prescribed oral prednisolone and my methotrexate was increased. The rheumatologist suggested I take some time off work when I was flaring and directed me towards counselling.
The next six months saw my oral methotrexate dose increase further and by the end of the year I was injecting it instead. My husband came to the injection-teaching session with me. I remember sitting on the edge of the bed with the needle poised and ready but hesitating. I also had a steroid injection in my left knuckle, which was so painful I cried.
Over the next few months I began responding better to the medications but the rheumatoid arthritis continued to progress and my white blood cell count was still a concern.
My nurse applied for certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), which is an anti-TNF. Within two weeks of using Cimzia I was feeling so much better and within a month I was in remission. It wasn’t until I was totally pain-free for a few months that I reflected on the pain I had been in for over three years. I had finally found a combination of drugs that had the rheumatoid arthritis under control and I felt like myself again. Most of my other medication was stopped or reduced.

A drug-free future

A chance discussion with a Pilates teacher made me realise how much I wanted to be entirely drug-free. After a lot of research I decided to give up wheat, gluten, dairy, meat, fish, refined sugar and anything processed and started a strict plant-based alkaline diet.
I stopped injecting methotrexate in July 2014 and continued to feel great with no signs of arthritis and was really enjoying my new diet and lifestyle. I continued with Pilates and took up yoga and meditation. I decided to leave teaching and started working in the office of our family window-cleaning business, which reduced my stress levels. I did everything I could to make sure that I was keeping myself as well as possible.
I remained in remission but continued to have a low white blood cell count because of the Cimzia. My rheumatologist agreed to extend the time between my injections to three weekly and said there was a chance of me being weaned off entirely.
Finally, at the start of this year I stopped injecting the Cimzia, my white blood cell count increased and I experienced no rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

The picture today

I continue to follow a very strict diet although I have relaxed it a little. I now eat organic meat and line-caught fish (although not often). I have discovered some good recipes for refined sugar-free sweet treats which makes me feel like I am not missing out on anything. My family is very supportive in my decision.
My vision now is to try and share my story so that I can help others deal with the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
I do not want to come across as saying “do what I’ve done and you will improve” as everyone is so different but I’d like to think that my story could spark a change in someone else to try and take control of the disease instead of letting it control them.

Somerset King can be found on facebook as Purely Somerset or contact by email: [email protected].

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