Being diagnosed with achronic diseaseis never easy.
Partida, now 27, is a dance teacher, aerial gymnast, and seasoned triathlete.
She went to school for physical education, with the ultimate goal of becoming a dance teacher.
Alloy Images / Courtesy of Reesa Partida
It felt like the flu, Partida tells SELF.
She toughed it out and kept teaching, but finally, went to see a doctor.
Rheumatoid arthritis is anautoimmune diseasethat causes jointinflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Alloy Images / Courtesy of Reesa Partida
According to theNational Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, about 1.5 million people have it.
Alloy Images / Courtesy of Reesa Partida
When Partida found out she had RA, she was devastated.
I dance, do triathlons, and run, Ive always been like that, she says.
Partida competing in the Ironman 70.3 California in April 2016
Shes been in gymnastics since she was 3, and did her first triathlon at 9.
So knowing something was wrong with my body was heartbreaking.
Soon after her diagnosis, she was supposed to compete in her first half Ironman.
But she could barely run.
She saw her doctor and was given prednisone (a steroid) to help reduce inflammation.
She needed to decide what a good long-term treatment option would be.
It took me a couple months, but I ultimately decided to do what my doctor suggested.
I started taking methotrexate.
That stuff is kind of nasty, she says.
The following year, in 2015, she placed 4th in her age group.
She finally competed in her first Ironman this year.
While medication keeps her able to stay active, Partida says she has bad days too.
Sometimes I feel nauseous the next day [from the medication], she says.
Im much more tired than I used to be.
Other than joint problems, RA also can cause fatigue, loss of energy, and occasional fevers.
I cant not do my passions.
Whether Im in pain or tired, it doesnt matter.
I say, Im going to do this.
Her doctor has been really supportive, she adds.
She said, Youll still do it, dont even worry.
And she recognizes that this may not last forever.
It makes me want to just do everything right now as much as I can.
Which is why she took up aerial silks last summer.
She now has a rig in her backyard so she can practice at home.
You have to have faith.
Its not the end of your life.
There are extra challenges, but no reason you cant be a fully functioning human being, she says.
you’re able to still make a difference and live to the fullest.
Whether or not that includes triathlons and gravity-defying gymnastics is up to you.
