Im 57 and running has been a big part of my life for 17 years. Ive never been fast and not always consistent.
I've struggled a bit with running since my mum passed away 18 month's ago (when I ran I grieved and then I cried). I've put some weight on and had a few health issues since then, I think mostly due to grieving, but in Jan started with issues in fingers/hands. Long story short, my bloods show markers for RA. I've not had a full diagnosis as GP put me on naproxene which RA clinic think might have masked swelling at first appointment. Waiting for my follow up.
My question is, are there any support groups or threads on running with RA.
I realise I might never be able to run same amounts/distance but I kind of need to know that i can/will be able to get back to running, and that, in some form it is still apart of my future.
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parkrungirl66
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Sorry to hear that you've been experiencing these health struggles after losing your Mum, and now needing to wonder what the future holds with your running too.
The truth is that these are very, very early days for a condition like RA, if that's what it turns out to be, and there is a huge range in how people experience and live with this condition. There certainly are RA patients who get back to running considerable distances so this diagnosis definitely doesn't rule it out automatically. It all depends how the individual is affected.
It is good that your initial appointment is being followed up promptly so that they can fully assess what's going on for you. Some people experience palindromic arthritis where symptoms come and go; a major emotional shock or loss seems to be a common trigger. Others are diagnosed with RA that develops gradually and with a small number of joints affected, which, with prompt care and the wide range of treatment options now available, gives very good cause to hope that control of symptoms and disease progression will be effective and rapid. It certainly can be possible to get back to a completely 'normal' life, whatever that means for you.
There is some information about exercise and RA on the NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) website: nras.org.uk/resource/exercise/
NRAS do also sometimes run an 'exercise and inflammatory arthritis' online group which you might be interested in. I'm not sure of the contact details for that though have attended once (which was an excellent yoga session, though the topic varies each time) - I haven't heard more about it since then though so perhaps others might know if it's still active.
This is easy to say and not easy to do, but the most helpful thing at this stage is to try not to think too many steps ahead. As much as possible, try to take this process of medical investigation and finding out how your body is affected one step at a time. Hopefully your next appointment will clarify what's going on for you, and with a diagnosis and information from your medical team you'll have a clearer idea what you're dealing with. Even if it is RA, there is a lot that can be done by way of treatment and lifestyle to reduce the risk of joint damage and preserve physical function, so there is no need to lose hope.
Wishing you all the very best, and please remember all of us in this forum are here to support any time you need it x
Although I can’t do it now because of CKD I used to ramble often 12/15 miles over all terrains. I’ve walked up Snowden, the Lakeland Fells. Done Coastal walk in Cypress and RA once in remission wasn’t an issue. So your life isn’t hopefully going to change much. For some it can be hard to control but it’s better to travel with hope rather than angst . There are loads of good medications some have side effects which can be transitioning but far from all. My best advice to you is keep going you might have to adjust a bit for a while but reality is, that RA isn’t curable but it is controllable. I know one of the famous tennis players has it but can’t remember her name. It’s a shock to be diagnosed and I’m sorry about your mum but don’t give up or give in. Xx
My specialist advised me to avoid running due to the stress it places on joints. Instead, I walk on a treadmill on an incline at 9 and my pace is a fast walk at 5.3. I march my arms back and forth too as if I am running. This is much easier on your joints and especially as the surface is also flat
I appreciate that you might want to get outside in the fresh air, so perhaps you could walk fast as opposed to running.
I think im just not ready to hear that message yet😪I recently said to hubby (with no evidence to back it up) I bet the professionals will have different views about running and it depends who you ask as to what answer you get.
Can I ask were you a runner before RA? How have you come to terms with the changes?
Yes, I used to road run three times a week around the village.
I was ok with making the changes and joining a gym because I was worried about causing more damage to my joints and if one day I was out running and my knee gave way or ankle and I fell and hurt myself, I would be on my own. At the gym there are staff members who are always around to help if something happened for example if I fell, whilst I was on the treadmill. It makes me feel a lot less anxious too
I really enjoy the gym. I have met some lovely people who also have RA, others recovering from hip and knee replacements and some with other ailments and it’s nice to speak to others and to also listen to how they are managing.
I also find it easier going to the gym in the wet and colder months so I’ve been pleased with the transition.
I empathise completely. I ran loads prior to the seronegative diagnosis a year back. I'd say that the sorrow of not running is worse than the pain I feel walking. I walked as much as possible with crutches just to be outside and somewhat mobile. I've gone through a couple of bouts of couch to 5k just to check in and see if I had lost all fitness when the knees weren't painful. I also do aqua jogging (running up and down the pool with a floatation belt) to keep my cardiovascular fitness up. It's also good for cross training when you are running. Currently I'm in a positive phase as the inflammatory markers are normal (with methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) and I've recently seen the orthopaedic surgeon who says my existing OA was exacerbated by the inflammation hence the pain walking. I've never been told to not run by any of the clinicians I've seen, in fact my physio gives me specific exercises to get back to running. They work too. I'm on a joint injection around three times a year and running again. Slower and less often but I'm seeing potential to improve. I know that the condition is unpredictable so I just do what I can when I can. Don't give up!
Hopefully as time goes on, you will find a treatment plan that works for you.
Before RA, I was very fit. Then within about 2 months I could do nothing. My wife had to dress me and doing anything was agonising. I felt like I was finished.
Fast forward 2 years, RA now under control with DMARDS and Biologics. I can now climb mountains again, i go for a jog a couple of times a week. I passed the beep test once again for work (fire service).
Today, I appreciate what I can do. I also need to be careful with overdoing it. So I try to pace myself as best I can.
Be hopeful. I've never been a runner, but was a long distance walker. I do still do walking but not as much since I lost my doggo. I have, however got a small trampoline I bounce up and down on every day. People laugh, but who cares! You may have to adapt a bit, and there may be some days you don't feel like running, but I wouldn't give up on the idea.
There's a lady down the road from me who is part of a running club. She still runs despite arthritis.
Sorry you are struggling and I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mum. I lost my mum in 2013 and have found it difficult ever since, but time is a healer and so is exercise.
Exercise is key to keeping joints at their best with inflammatory arthritis. If you love running then you should discuss with your physio or rheumatologist ways for you to keep doing it. The only thing I would say is that it is an impact sport, which can sometimes be difficult for the joints, however, if you are in the early stages then hopefully you can manage running alongside the disease. Meds are so much more advanced than they were decades ago and it is likely your rheumatologist can keep you fairly well.
Be proactive and get in touch with your rheumatology department promptly if you are struggling with the pain to keep you as well as possible.
I would do everything you can to keep up with your running if you enjoy it so much. It would help keep your mind and body at their best.
I watched an NRAS webinar with Ali from the walking hub in Kington, it is still online and very inspirational. She runs and does nordic walking and all sorts of things with RA and is full of positivity. I found her talk was just what I needed. I also phoned her up at the shop for a chat and she was super helpful. I am hoping to get back to cycling and sea kayaking and the rheumatology OT is all for helping me do that.
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