Young Woman’s Arthritis Journey: From Pain to Empowerment

A woman diagnosed with arthritis at 27 is urging others to advocate for their health rather than accepting chronic pain as a norm. Dasha experienced symptoms for nearly a decade before receiving a proper diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis, a condition affecting joints that can occur at any age, as noted by Arthritis Action.

Dasha’s journey began at the age of 19 when she first noticed an inflamed left eye. Despite seeking medical help, doctors were unable to identify the cause. “I woke up one morning with an inflamed red left eye,” she recounted. “At first, I just assumed it wasn’t anything serious, but it quickly became very painful.”

After receiving steroid eye drops that provided minimal relief, Dasha dismissed the issue until it reappeared years later, following her university graduation. “This time I quickly recognised what was happening and went to the hospital believing it could be easily sorted again, but the issue simply wouldn’t go away,” she explained.

Despite multiple treatments, including injections, the inflammation persisted without a clear diagnosis. “As I wasn’t experiencing any other symptoms, they weren’t able to diagnose the underlying issue,” Dasha said. The uncertainty took an emotional toll, leaving her feeling disheartened and frustrated.

At 26, Dasha celebrated completing her first half marathon, but this achievement was overshadowed by severe hip pain. Initially attributing the discomfort to the race, she eventually pursued further medical evaluation. An x-ray produced no results, prompting her to insist on an MRI. “They immediately saw that the cause of my hip pain and eye problems had been a form of arthritis all along,” she stated. It was only after seven years of symptoms that she received her diagnosis.

For many, obtaining a diagnosis can bring a sense of relief, but for Dasha, it felt like a life-altering revelation. “It felt more like a sentencing,” she reflected. “I was being told I wouldn’t be able to do the things I aspired to as an average 27-year-old.”

Despite this initial shock, Dasha’s journey was just beginning. Treatment for arthritis often involves trial and error, and her health deteriorated during this time. “Initially, all the doctor could do was give me ibuprofen to help manage the pain,” she explained. Over time, her reliance on painkillers increased to eight tablets a day, yet relief remained elusive.

Exercise became a challenge, leaving her feeling confined by her condition. “I would wake up feeling stiff, and the pain kept me awake all night. It was very hard on my mental health.”

Dasha’s doctor hesitated to prescribe biologics, a class of medication derived from living cells, due to uncertainty about the severity of her condition. By the end of 2020, she finally began treatment and experienced significant improvements. “It’s been such a life changer to find the right support that works for me and my condition,” she noted.

Finding community support also played a crucial role in Dasha’s journey. She attended meetings with others living with Axial Spondyloarthritis, which helped her navigate her experiences. “It made a huge difference to meet others coping with the same condition and who were living well,” she shared.

While Dasha still experiences occasional pain, it is far less severe than before. “Since beginning biologics, I can easily run 7k and feel completely fine afterwards,” she said, contrasting this with her past struggles.

Now, Dasha is determined to empower other young people facing similar challenges. “Don’t accept that debilitating pain is your new, inescapable reality,” she urged. Acknowledging the loneliness that can accompany chronic conditions, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with others who understand the journey.

“This is a lifelong condition,” Dasha said. “I’ve found a place where I’m comfortable and can accept my condition. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I do know that if anything happens then I’m ready to deal with it.” Through her advocacy, Dasha aims to inspire resilience and self-advocacy in others living with arthritis.