How I coped with..
osteoarthritis
I had put my constant back pain down to 55 years standing up as a hairdresser.
But five years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
As time passed, I struggled to walk and sleep and gave up my hobby of triathlons.
Anti-inflammatory pills helpe the pain but then I had to give them up when I started taking blood thinners.
Now I find spending time stretching and taking pilates and yoga classes eases the
discomfort and stiffness. I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica six months ago – an inflammatory condition that causes stiffness – and need to take steroids. But I’ve made a careful return to my triathlon training.
I recently completed Blenheim – my first in a while and 200th overall.
Robert Collis, 70, Luton, Beds
Robert took part in the Bloodwise Blenheim Triathlon, part of the Live to Tri series. The next event is the AJ Bell London Triathlon on August 4-5. Sign up at livetotri.co.uk