I was 11 years old when I first started getting unexplainable and excruciating pain which began from one joint and slowly made its way to others. What followed was a long struggle to manage my pain and still try to live my school and college life to the fullest, which was not always a walk in the park. I can remember going for my exams on a wheelchair because I couldn’t move due to the pain. I was soon put on methotrexate to control my pain and progression of the disease but that made no positive change as I reacted badly to it.

I lost one day each week because my body couldn’t handle the medicine and I would feel completely drained. 

When I was getting ready to go do my master’s abroad, I got the worst attack of my life. For almost the entire year I was completely bed ridden and was told I was probably not going to be able to leave the country, until a doctor suggested going on biological treatment. While this managed my pain and I was able to pursue my degree, other symptoms were still not letting me live comfortably. I had been diagnosed with PCOD and was still not reacting well to the methotrexate. I lived my life dealing with one issue or the other which arose from my two conditions, which always seemed to be in conflict with each other. 

Finally, I decided it was enough and I had to make some major changes to improve my quality of life. I was introduced to Rachna Chhachhi by my father (she had been invited as a speaker to address top leaders at dad’s office, on healthy living) and we began our journey together. In the beginning, I was a bit skeptic of the methods and regimes, as a foodie it was particularly difficult to eat basic meals which led me to throw tantrums more than a few times. Nevertheless, I persisted and made some much-needed lifestyle changes. Due to the continued hand holding, charts, yoga and my own discipline to follow everything, I was soon able to see some very tangible results . The pain reduced, and finally disappeared. All my blood reports soon started to show improvement. I was taken off the methotrexate and the hormone control pills. I’ve lost more than 15 kgs since the start of my journey! The PCOS weight was gone, the psoriatic arthritis fatigue was gone.

Today, I finally can utilise all 7 days of the week. I wistfully shared with Rachna that I’m good but I still won’t be able to wear heels right? And Rachna immediately said, “You can! I will send you links,” and sent me links to comfortable 3-inch high heeled shoes! For a young girl, these are the small things that make every day worth living. I feel fitter and felt more energetic. I feel healthier and happier which in turn makes me take better care of myself overall! I feel normal.

— Srishti Bhargava, 27 yrs, Gurgaon