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I had been competing in triathlons for 14 years and at world level for seven years when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2007.
Since then, I have been prescribed a whole range of treatments, such as methotrexate, disease modifiers, two types of anti-TNF, gold injections, steroids, NSAIDs and intra-articular injections.
After a major flare-up in May 2009, I stepped back from my work and triathlons. I stopped doing everything and was pretty much housebound for a couple of months. My self-esteem was at rock bottom and my clinical nurse specialist thought that I would have to stick to marshalling in the future.
Making steps to recovery
By September 2009, I returned to work in stages, with a voice-activated computer and careful workload planning. I was still walking with a stick and unable to do sport. As I had not responded to treatment, I decided to start oral steroids in combination with disease modifiers and NSAIDs.
In January 2010, I had improved considerably and joined a gym, started swimming and did gentle exercises on a static bike – after consultation with my rheumatologist . By Easter of that year, I had been out cycling and had started to jog a little.
I felt encouraged and took part in triathlons in May and June, focusing on successfully completing rather than competing the races. So many people waited for me at the finish line. I thought that this was as far as I would go in 2010, but in August, the Great Britain age group team manager offered me a slot at the World Championship. Inspired by my commitment and fortitude, he offered me a place to compete in the 50-54 age group in Budapest.
I found it difficult to decide whether to compete. Racing for Great Britain has always been my greatest achievement so I grabbed the opportunity. I aimed to take part and finish the race and do justice to my uniform, but finished in position 26 out of 32, which was far better than I expected.
Knowing your body
Rheumatoid arthritis does not exclude you from taking part in triathlons. It is all-inclusive sport and there are lots of novice races and clubs. It is crucial that you only do what you are capable of. It is an endurance sport and you need to make sensible decisions and realise that pain is an indicator to stop. When you feel pain, you have to stop. Preparation really is important and you need to rest and eat well. I always know the route, my bike – and my limits.
There are days that I wish I did not have arthritis, but I manage it. There are days when it is bad, but I also have a great days. When I was at my worst, I really thought my life had ended, but you really get that low and then recover.
Competing in the sun
I have been offered a slot for the European Championships in Pontevedra, northern Spain, in June 2011. I entered three races to train for that, because the only way to be fit for a race is to race. Being cold really affects my arthritis and I love being warm, so going to Spain in June will be nice.
Carole Jackson
