Sometimes running a marathon just isn’t going to be possible, Cassie Lockhart explains, after being diagnosed with palindromic arthritis
In summer 2014, when I was 22 years old, I noticed swelling on my knees and ankles that would leave a mark as if I had been wearing socks that were too tight, and it began to progress to my hands and fingers.
The GP explored a number of possible problems, such as fluid retention, but during the investigations I developed more severe pain during flare-ups. I had always had dull pains in my wrists, which I thought was too do with the fact that I’d broken them as a child, but I now think I had had palindromic rheumatism for some time without realising.
After several more trips to the GP, I was referred to a specialist and was diagnosed with palindromic arthritis on 31 January 2015. At first I was put on hydroxychloroquine, but my severe reaction meant I had to stop taking it after three days.
It then took until 23 March 2015 to get a follow-up appointment and new medication, sulfasalazine tablets. I have blood tests every two weeks but the new drug seems to have controlled – but not stopped – my flare-ups. I’m also on painkillers.
When I was diagnosed I was confused about what palindromic rheumatism was and for a while I tried to maintain my active lifestyle, both physically and socially. I would often have to take time off work as I couldn’t move.
The picture today…
I currently have problems with my shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees and ankles and at times my walking is impaired. I hate asking for help and feel defeated, especially if it’s for something simple like taking my socks off.
My passion is photography and although I actually qualified as a photographer the work is too physically draining full-time so I had to change my career path and am now an estate agent in Fife.
I was in the sports teams at school and used to go indoor rock climbing every week with my Dad, but this became too difficult and sore. In the summer of 2014 I began running to try and strengthen my joints but suffered badly from pains for a few days afterwards so had to stop.
Whilst I’m still coming to terms with my diagnosis, there is plenty to be positive about. I enjoy my job, love my family and live with my fiancé.
My life has altered in that I have to think ahead and carefully plan what I am doing at the weekend. Sometimes I take Monday off work as a day’s holiday to recover. My fiancé is very supportive and doesn’t judge me if I have to spend the day on the sofa because the pain is too bad.
My flare-ups used to last three to five days but the new medication means they now last around two days. I have at least one a week, depending on how busy I am.
Flare-ups do have a link to my hormonal cycle but despite keeping a food diary, I haven’t found any further triggers.
My advice for anyone who suspects they may have palindromic arthritis is to speak to your GP as soon as possible and push to see a specialist. If the diagnosis is positive, do not let it take over your life, as it can affect your mood and motivation.
Listen to your body and know that you are in control, but find some middle ground too… sometimes running a marathon just isn’t going to be possible.
