Hi, my name is Toni. I'm 33 years old and I have Arthritis.

My journey began back in November 2018 when my jaw problems started; clicking, locking and pain. Over the course of the next year my symptoms worsened, despite researching and trying every treatment I could find. This is where my running journey began, with the Couch 2 5k App. I hoped it would reduce the side effects of the medication I was put on.

Medically, I kept being dismissed. Eventually in Janaury 2020 after having an MRI scan, they agreed to do an Arthroscopy. I had the pre op assessment completed, then COVID struck. My surgery was postponed, indefinitely. Over the next 3 months my condition deteriorated significantly; barely able to open my mouth to 15mm, severe pain/migraines requiring Oromorph and anti sickness medication, and under the care of a Dietician and prescribed shakes due to being unable to eat. Eventually my GP managed to get the hospital to expedite my surgery; I had my Right Jaw Joint Arthroscopy on 12th May 2020. A surgery which failed. I left hospital in a worst state than I went in. The Consultant discharged me from his care, stating my symptoms did not match the underlying pathology of the joint. I was devastated and completely lost all hope of being able to live a "normal" life.

That's when I found Luke Cascarini at The Harley Street Specialist Hopsital. During my first consultation with him in October 2020 I received a diagnosis; Arthritis. Finally I'd found someone who understood and wanted to help. Luke proposed an Arthroscopy with BMAC (stem cells) from my hip to regenerate the joint, with the hope of saving it. A surgery which I underwent only 3 weeks later on 30th October 2020.

The results were incredible, within 2 weeks I was able to eat proper food, stopped taking all my pain medication and had a mouth opening of 25-30mm (pre surgery it was 8-10mm). I was able to start living and enjoying life again, including running. I completed four 5k runs; Milton Keynes, Battersea, Silverstone and Bedford.

Sadly, it was short lived. The BMAC worked wonderfully for 6 months, after which time the Jaw Joint began to deteriorate again. The pain returned and the mouth opening reduced.

I saw Luke again in August 2021. A Cone Beam CT Scan showed the Arthritis in the Jaw Joint had further deteriorated; there was only one option remaining..... A Total Joint Replacement.

On the 5th February 2022 I had a Total Joint Replacement of my Right TMJ with a titanium prosthesis.

The recovery was much harder than I expected and a joint replacement certainly isn't an "easy" option. I had facial nerve paralysis for about 4 months after the surgery; I was unable to blink, raise my eyebrow and my lip drooped. Fortunately all movement and sensation has now returned. It was only after the surgery, when I had no pain, that I realised how severe the pain was that I lived with every day. I shared my journey and recovery online with others suffering from similar conditions, to give them hope.

After 6 weeks, I started running again. 3 months post replacement I achieved a 5k PB in the Rocket 5k in Milton Keynes. I had a dream, to run in the London Marathon and raise money for Arthritis. After the joint replacement, I felt alive. The best I'd been in years. Suddenly this wasn't just a pipe dream, I could make it happen.

I started running because of Arthritis and I want to share my story, give others hope and give back to the amazing charity Versus Arthritis who provide such fantastic help and support to people like me.

My journey isn't over, I'm now under a Rheumatologist, Neurologist and Haematologist. Over the last few months I've had multiple blood tests and scans for Auto Immune Conditions and Inflammatory Arthritis. The tests for Inflammatory Arthritis came back negative, but they have since redone all the bloods and added lots more due to ongoing symptoms; severe weakness in my hands, nerve and muscle weakness in my legs and joint pain. I now have confirmed Raynauds, which I have started medication for. I have also been referred to a professor, as its highly likely I have an underlying autoimmune condition causing all of my joint problems. 

I will always have Arthritis, it will never go away, but I'm determined to live life to the full, enjoy running and smash the London Marathon in April 2023! This is a cause very close to my heart and I would be extremely grateful of your support and kind donations to help me to achieve my goal.

Thank you. Toni xx