Kelly Clayton,29

In December 2001, approximately three months after my first son was born, I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I¹ve had bone and joint problems my entire life and have had ten surgeries since the age of six, but after my son was born, I literally could not lift my arms, or him. My joints were red, swollen, and literally becoming frozen in place some days.
I was constantly running a fever, exhausted, and just felt awful, sick, all the time. It wasn't what new motherhood was supposed to be like.
At my initial diagnosis, I was told that I should expect to be unable to work and on disability in about 5-7 years, possibly even in a wheelchair at that time. I spent the first few years strictly on anti-inflammatory medication, pain medications, and steroids. After 5 years, a new Rheumatologist finally added Methotrexate. Although it provided some relief, it wasn't enough on it's own. I was still on high doses of steroids every day. Finally a biologic modifier was added to the mix and I felt like I got my life back. After the first couple months on the medication, I noticed that I was starting to feel better. I was able to do more. I was able to cut back, and finally eliminate my steroids. Sure, I still had symptoms of RA. I was still exhausted, I was still stiff and in pain, but I found myself being able to do more.
With my newfound energy, I started volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation more. I went to the 2008 Advocacy Summit in Washington DC and really got motivated. I had looked at the Joints in Motion marathon training program for years, but felt my RA was never under enough control to attempt it. This year was the year! Sure, I was a bit nervous. I was still taking an enormous amount of medication everyday to control pain, how was I supposed to cope with the pain of exercise? If I only knew then what I know now! I chose Humpy's Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, a full 26.2 mile marathon, as my race. It was my first full marathon and when the director of the program out of the Chicago office/team called, I knew I made the right choice. Joints in Motion really had a great training program set up. They provided all of the training tools that you needed and the support system was fabulous. During my training, I signed up for 12 Marathons and completed them and was amazed, but the day in Anchorage that I completed that full 26.2 mile marathon, I was truly proud. I have a quote under one of my finish line pictures from that day. Severe RA? 10 Surgeries? 26.2 Miles! Take that Arthritis!!
Since I have started exercising, I really got my life back. I feel pretty amazing most days. Sure, I still have days where I'll flare up. However, I'm not taking 20 pills a day anymore. I’m not relying on pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication to get through the day. I know that I will always have to be on my long-term medications. That protects my joint health and helps keep the disease under control. However, through exercise, I know I can control the symptoms.
Those that have completed a marathon know that it gets under your skin. As tough as it can be, it pulls you right back. It's my goal to complete a marathon in every state. I know I'll never be fast enough to make Boston, but I'm not racing against the clock. I'm racing against the disease.

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