My life was easy and comfortable. I had a steady bank job, a beautiful family and great friends. I enjoyed going out on weekends and vacations when time permitted. Picnics with my children where we all played hide-and-seek by the lake. I had an active lifestyle, and prided myself about how well I took care of myself.

Around fourteen years ago, things changed. I suffered from bouts of fever and muscle fatigue for a month. I assumed it was typhoid fever. Since I also had ankle edema, I went through a lot of blood tests, but all were negative. My knees had become numb and I had no choice but to quit my job.

I visited a doctor for diagnosis, and found out that I had rheumatoid arthritis. It was a debilitating bone disease that was restricting my movements. I had to stay at home, and required a family member to take care of me. I couldn’t help but feel like a burden on them, because I had always been capable of taking care of myself. I just wanted things to go back to normal.

We started treatment for my rheumatoid arthritis. I was prescribed with methotrexate and etoricoxib (as needed). My diet changed. I was advised to include more vegetables and fish in my daily food intake. Meat items were restricted to consuming only once a week.

When the medications didn’t give me the results I wanted, I switched to etanercept instead. This therapy worked like a charm. My knees regained their strength and I could walk at my normal pace. Slowly, I got even better, being able to climb up and down stairs without any pain. I am sure that with the coming time, I will be able to resume my normal and healthy life!