We tend to think of arthritis as being an ailment that exclusively affects the elderly. But while arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people of all ages – including children – can be affected.
Roxy Simmons is one of those people. After multiple frustrating visits to the doctors as a child, and having been repeatedly told that her suffering was merely growing pains, she was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of nine.
“I remember feeling ecstatic,” Roxy says. “I was so happy that I finally had an answer to why I was in such constant pain, and that I could actually tell people what it was.”
With being diagnosed so young, Roxy didn’t fully comprehend her diagnosis. All she knew was that it was something she had that made her joints hurt a lot.
“I knew I had to take tablets and inject myself every week, and that I had to see the doctor more than normal children, but it wasn’t until I got older that I’ve actually looked into RA and the more natural side of treatments.”
To help with her pain, Roxy was prescribed Methotrexate, a medication that helps those who suffer with RA by decreasing the activity of the immune system. Unfortunately for some, it can also come with some nasty side effects.
“I originally started off on the Methotrexate tablets, but I had a lot of side effects including headaches, nose bleeds and ulcers. Then my consultant changed me on to the Methotrexate injection, which suited me a lot better.”
Unfortunately, Methotrexate isn’t safe to take during pregnancy. So when Roxy and her partner began the conversations about trying for a baby, she knew what she needed to do: make the difficult decision to stop taking the medication that had been keeping her pain at bay for years.
“I came off Methotrexate in September 2020 as my partner and I wanted to have a baby in the next year or so, and you have to have the Methotrexate well out of your system before conceiving. So we thought we’d play it safe, and my consultant advised me to stop taking the Methotrexate injections. I was actually ok for a couple of months – probably because I still had the medication in my system – until around December when the cold and rain hit – and then it hit hard. I was waking up every morning with stiff, achy and swollen joints, making everyday tasks a struggle. I remember laying in bed one night not being able to sleep because the pain was so bad.”
Desperate to find a solution, Roxy began researching natural solutions. After hearing that turmeric helps with inflammation, she Googled turmeric for arthritis reviews and found Truth Origins Vitality . The organic liquid curcumin concentrate contains a potent blend of curcumin, the part of the turmeric root that holds powerful healing properties.
“I was a bit sceptical about how it would actually work but I thought I should give it a go,” Roxy recalls. “Well, I wasn’t disappointed! I had read that curcumin from turmeric reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to any type of arthritis. Taking Vitality liquid curcumin has become part of my morning routine, and makes such a big difference to my day. I still wake up stiff and in pain some mornings, but after a hot shower and my Vitality shot, I am ready to tackle the day!”
Over the years, Roxy has built quite a fitness following on her Instagram and has more recently started to use the platform to raise awareness for RA.
“When I was younger and I would tell someone I have arthritis, the comment I would always get was ‘Isn’t that what old people get?’ or ‘Oh yeah, my nan has that’. It left me feeling even more isolated and alone.
“Since sharing my story on social media, I have met lots of other people who suffer from arthritis or similar autoimmune diseases and I plan to continue to share my journey in the hope to help others and prove that you can lead a completely normal life whilst suffering from chronic illness, you just need the right tools and support from others going through the same challenges.”
So what advice does Roxy have for others who are suffering with RA or similar conditions?
“Do your own research and don’t be scared to try something new. I would also say that leading a healthy and active lifestyle will certainly help too. Health is wealth!”
If you’d like to try Truth Origins liquid Curcumin yourself, readers of Natural Health can enjoy an exclusive 25% off your first bottle using the code NH25 upon checkout. Visit truthorigins.co.uk to shop or find out more. You can also find Roxy on Instagram at @roxysimmons and @trainwithroxy
