For nearly two years, Talisa King endured unexplained chronic pain. Then, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) finally brought answers and a path to relief.
In April 2012, Talisa King, then 31, was working a night shift at a youth detention center when she suddenly lost movement in the left side of her body. Initially suspected of having a stroke, she spent six weeks in the hospital undergoing tests that ruled out neurological conditions and RA. Despite visiting multiple neurologists and being flooded with medications for different presumed conditions, nothing provided answers.
Finally, a rheumatologist diagnosed her with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, a subtype of RA not detected in standard blood tests. According to Dr. Diane Horowitz, director of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Center at Northwell Health, diagnosing arthritis can be challenging due to its varied symptoms.
Receiving an official diagnosis after over a year of struggling with basic tasks like tying shoes and cutting food was a relief for King. However, finding effective pain relief was another battle. She underwent various treatments, including NSAIDs and biologics, before discovering what worked for her. Dr. M. Elaine Husni from the Cleveland Clinic explained that RA pain stems from multiple sources, including joint damage, soft tissue injury, and even abnormal pain processing in the brain.
Pain management remains a constant challenge for King, as RA pain can be erratic and influenced by factors like stress and weather changes. She journals her pain and diet to identify potential triggers, such as gluten. Dr. Husni emphasized the complexity of RA pain, which involves both nociceptive and neuropathic components.
Living with RA also means dealing with its ‘invisible’ nature. The debilitating pain and fatigue are not always apparent to others, including healthcare providers. This invisibility often leads to skepticism about the legitimacy of RA pain and can complicate getting appropriate care. King has experienced skepticism from healthcare providers, who sometimes treated her as if she was seeking drugs. Therefore, she stresses the importance of advocating for one’s needs and being vocal about past effective treatments.
King’s experience with RA motivated her to volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, where she helps others navigate the condition. She chairs the Buffalo Walk to Cure Arthritis, speaks at conferences, and leads webinars. Recently, she participated in a Foundation initiative to share inspirational words with those living with arthritis. King’s chosen word, ‘grace,’ reflects her journey and determination to support others facing similar challenges.
King’s advocacy work is a form of therapy for her, providing solace in knowing her story can assist others struggling to manage their condition.
Talisa King’s journey from unexplained pain to effective management of RA exemplifies the importance of persistence, self-advocacy, and community support in navigating chronic illnesses.
Source: Healthline