What conditions are you racing with?
I am diagnosed with two primary autoimmune disorders: Celiac Sprue, and Psoriasis. These two combined set off an inflammatory arthritis combo of Enteropathic Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Both of these arthritis types are autoimmune which means that my body's immune system is actively attacking my soft tissues. The primary places these diseases attack are my joints, tendons and cartilage. The joints I am affected are: Lumbar Spine, SI Joint, Hips, Knees, Feet, and hands. The cartilage systems I have affected are costochondritis (chest wall/ribs) and cricoartytenoid (voice box). The tendons I have affected are Achilles, and hip flexors. In addition to this I have a number of secondary conditions from the arthritis: raynauds phenomenon, peripheral sensory neuropathy, sciatica, and secondary fibromyalgia syndrome. To top it off my celiac has left me with permanent malabsorbtion issues, hypoglycemia, and osteopenia.
Is there a cure? If not what are the treatments?
There is no cure for either of my primary or secondary conditions.
Celiac is treated with a gluten free diet for life. The reality is it is a life style I have been committed to for over a decade. I watch even my hair and skin care for gluten to avoid contamination.
My psoriasis is in remission thanks to a drug called methotrexate. This is a chemotherapy drug give in low dose to those with autoimmune disorders to lower their immune system.
My PsA/ EA is controlled with a number of medications. I take an antimalarial, and NSAID daily. I take methotrexate weekly. Finally I go in bimonthly for infusion of a TnF inhibitor at my doctor's office.
The side conditions are controlled by a variety of means. The fibromyalgia, sciatica, and neuropathy are controlled with an anti-seizure medication that blocks nerve pain. The fibro is also aided with a muscle relaxer. The raynauds I keep my hands and feet protected in cold weather.
Despite all of this there are break through moments and flares. A break through is less severe its just over doing it or having a bad day. I treat these with a break through pain drug depending on location and severity. I also use palliative treatments like heating pads, stretching, etc to help through these moments.A flare is when you have an ongoing systemic reaction it means the disease is active this is treated with prednisone a steroid drug.
What are the ramifications have those conditions made on your life and training?
The daily life of someone with these conditions is a constant surprise and guessing game at best. There are some days I feel like superman, but so easily in a matter of an hour I can go into feeling like a train hit me. However this situation has put an amazing perspective into my life of wanting to live it to the fullest and be happy. I push hard and enjoy every day no matter how I feel because I cant guarantee one day to the next. This situation has made me more thankful for the little things. It also makes me want to help others in my situation.
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