Hi all, I am riding in the London 100 on Sunday which I signed up for last August. At the time I had started Humira in May after around 3 years of not being able to walk.
For those three years I talked myself into believing that my body was worse than useless, I hated it. Hated it for turning against itself, for changing physically, for causing me pain.
So when I got Humira and could control my symptoms I decided I needed a challenge. A challenge I hadn't done before, something kind to my joints and one that would make me fall in love with my body again, appreciate it. I vowed that I would no longer take my body for granted, I started to see my body as a gift, one that I had assumed would always be fine, but isn't and so I need to adapt.
So I signed up to ride 100 miles for Arthritis Research UK, to help in a small way to one of the charities that helped me. It was their leaflets that I found in my GP surgery the first time I went for blood tests checking for RA. They educated me.
I have been cycling for a few years now, I have adapted to any joint pain, gel filled gloves, fuelling properly and cutting out inflammatory foods.
Yesterday I went to collect my rider number and felt so alive! So excited! Nervous too, nervous that my joints will let me down on the day and then I will let down all the people who have sponsored me, nervous that I won't finish.
But I have an advantage, I know this is in my mind. I have survived arthritis flares so i know I can do this. I hope to show myself that I can still do things despite having this illness and that life isn't always about we what can't do, wish me luck!!
Terri xx
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TerrilouiseS
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Thank you for your post and your hugely positive story! Whilst we appreciate that for some people, cycling in an event like this might not be possible, I'm sure it will give a lot of inspiration to others. We collaborate with ARUK on various projects so hope you raise lots of money for them.
Sending you lots of luck for the race on Sunday and do let us know how you get on!
Best wishes
Emma
PS. If you, or anyone else in the UK, wants to get involved - NRAS has guaranteed places for next year's Ride100 as well as lots of other bigger and smaller events! :o)
Thanks Emma, I didn't know we can ride for NRAS, I am thinking if I manage this one I may do something like London to Paris so will absolutely bare NRAS in mind for future events!
Hi I'm interested. I too got back on my bike last year and have managed to loose 20kgs and put some miles on my legs. Had a couple off tough weeks and been struggling to walk but managed to get my bike out on Wednesday for a short spin albeit I had to lie it on the ground and step through the bar to get on it! Would love to find out more.
Well done Chez! So awesome to hear you're persevering. I used to ride when I couldn't walk so for me the bike gives freedom. I hope you are getting better after your tough few weeks xx
Hi Chez, our events page is here: nras.org.uk/get-involved-ev... and has lots of different options including cycling, runs, muddy runs(!), walks, ziplines, abseils, and gentler activities that can be done in the community. Have a look and do get in touch with Val in the fundraising team if you have any questions fundraising@nras.org.uk or call the office on 01628 823524.
Hi Fatjoints, there are indeed! We have all our places for 2017/8 on our website here: nras.org.uk/get-involved-ev... (then click on runs/cycles etc depending on what type of event you're looking for. If you have any questions or you want ideas - email fundraising@nras.org.uk and they'll be happy to help.
Hi TerrilouisesS think what you are doing is really fantastic I wish you all the best and have a safe journey,when are you starting it. I raised money for NRSA a lot less adventurous lol my Daughter and her Guides did an evening coffee and cakes 🎂 with Raffles and stalls,they managed to raise £300.00 x
Thank you for the well wishes! I start at 7:35am and hope to be finished in 7.5 hours. Any less than that is a bonus. Well done on the fundraising that's awesome work!xx
Wow, Terri so inspiring. Humira has also been a great drug for me plus a very positive attitude. With OA in my lower back dx 18 months ago holding me back, I still believe exercise is so good for us and wish you all the very best of luck and hopefully raise lots of money for charities close to our hearts. X
This is so awesome, FANTASTIC! Well done for persevering. You've summed this up perfectly what, no doubt, most of us feel in terms of frustration - especially at the lack of control over our bodies. You've said the magic word 'adapt'. I think adapting is so crucial after you start to come to terms with this thing that's attacking you and making friends with your body again. I remember wondering if doctors could take requests to cut limbs off because I was so frustrated with my right ankle and knee, the thing just seemed so useless. I can laugh a bit at that now. Good luck!!! Post a link to your sponsorship if u have one online and if admin permits.x
Ah the good old please get rid of this bit that causes pain please, yes I know it well ☺️ thank you so much for your words! I would post the link but I don't think it's allowed xx
Oh wow, such an inspirational story of positivity and love- for your body. Wishing you a truly fantastic day and huge respect and congratulations for having got this far. You go girl!
Thanks for your comment. Very best wishes for the ride tomorrow, you are an inspiration to me. I am a parent of a teenager with Juvenile arthritis who is currently trying to get more active. I will show her your story.
Thank you so much for responding, I know your reply will keep me going tomorrow ❤️ Any exercise that can be achieved is a great help, well done to them! Cycling saved me and gave me a sense of freedom. Good luck to your teen xx ps the only exercise I've found that helps with fatigue is yoga
Good luck to you, but it has had the side effect of keeping me stuck indoors with all the transport messed up by road closures, so people with mobility issues haven't been helped by it and living in Twickenham I have to put up with it many other weekends as well being disrupted for the Rugby with more road closures.
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