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Caroline Wozniacki tells her story, from being the number one world tennis champion to facing a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
I wanted to write this blog to tell you all a little bit about my rheumatoid arthritis journey so far. I was diagnosed in 2018 (which was a total shock to me), and I’ve learned so much about it and other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, since then.
After Wimbledon in the summer of 2018, I felt like I had been hit by a bad case of the flu. I even pulled out of playing matches because of it. My knuckles were sore, and I just felt lousy.
A real ‘hitting home’ moment was waking up in bed and telling my boyfriend (now husband) David that I couldn’t move. I physically couldn’t move. He had to help me out of bed and carry me to the car that day. Even then, I don’t think my family understood just what I was going through.
After that, I went to see some doctors. I was told I was out of shape, may be pregnant, and depressed! To be told as one of the highest-ranked tennis players in the world, at the peak of my career, that I could be out of shape was astounding.
I was so upset and angry that no one believed me when I knew my body better than anyone. After some hard moments like that, though, I did finally, with the support of my wonderful husband, find an amazing rheumatologist who diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis.
After going public with my diagnosis, the best thing that could have happened was the online support with women who are going through something similar. I don’t know what I would have done without that support. A lot of people in my world didn’t really understand what I was going through; so, to have women reach out and relate to it was so great.
It’s why I want to give back and work with you on gaining advantage over your condition, one small victory at a time. In partnership with UCB, the Advantage Hers campaign launched in September last year, and we’ve achieved so many wonderful things since then. On my social channels, I’m going to be giving updates, but more importantly finding out from women ways to gain advantage over a chronic pain condition. I want you all to join me, and pledge to speak to a specialist about your own game plan!
I now work every day to manage my disease. I know rheumatoid arthritis will continue to be with me for the rest of my life, so I have educated myself about RA and other chronic inflammatory diseases, and have established a long-term, evolving game plan with my rheumatologist. Through the support of my specialist, husband, family and community, I have never been more excited about my future, including new roles and opportunities beyond tennis, and helping and learning from other women.
The Arthritis Foundation is a terrific resource for helping you manage your pain, providing solutions for today and hope for tomorrow while working to find a cure for arthritis. They recently hosted a Facebook Live event, Women in Pain: Real Talk About Daily Living, with support from UCB. A diverse panel of female arthritis patients discussed the impact of chronic pain on their daily lives and shared tips, insights and strategies for practicing self-care, navigating relationships and family, managing career, finding support and taking control. Watch the event here.
This post originally appeared on UCB.com and is intended for ex-U.S. audiences.
Learn more ways to manage your arthritis pain on the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast. Find pain management episodes here.
As an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and related chronic inflammatory diseases, I bring first-hand expertise to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article about Caroline Wozniacki's journey with rheumatoid arthritis.
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. It results from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, leading to joint damage and, if untreated, disability. Caroline Wozniacki's experience highlights the physical and emotional challenges associated with RA, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and management.
2. Axial Spondyloarthritis: Axial spondyloarthritis is a subgroup of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Understanding this concept is crucial as it represents a distinct form of arthritis with specific characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches. The article suggests that Wozniacki has expanded her knowledge beyond RA to encompass related conditions like axial spondyloarthritis.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis can affect joints and connective tissues, causing pain and swelling. The article indicates Wozniacki's awareness of not only RA but also other chronic inflammatory diseases like psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, showcasing a broader understanding of autoimmune conditions.
4. Online Support and Community Engagement: Wozniacki's experience highlights the importance of online support communities, especially for individuals facing chronic diseases. Her collaboration with UCB on the Advantage Hers campaign underscores the power of community engagement in sharing experiences, providing support, and creating awareness. This collaborative effort aims to empower women dealing with similar conditions and encourages them to take control of their health.
5. Partnering with Specialists and Treatment Plans: The article emphasizes the critical role of specialists in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Wozniacki's journey involves overcoming misdiagnoses and finding an exceptional rheumatologist who helped establish a personalized, long-term game plan. This underscores the significance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals, family support, and an evolving strategy to manage the disease effectively.
6. Advocacy and Awareness: Caroline Wozniacki's collaboration with UCB on the Advantage Hers campaign demonstrates her commitment to advocacy and raising awareness about chronic inflammatory diseases. By sharing her story and encouraging others to speak to specialists about their game plans, she contributes to a broader dialogue on managing these conditions and fostering a sense of community.
In conclusion, Wozniacki's journey serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience, self-education, and community support in the face of rheumatoid arthritis and related chronic inflammatory diseases. Her commitment to advocacy and empowering others reflects a deep understanding of these conditions and a determination to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals dealing with similar challenges.
