My Story

How it all started

In February 2016, I noticed a clicking sound in my right knee during the school run. I brushed it off, assuming it was a result of my January health kick—maybe I’d just overdone it at the gym. But the clicking didn’t go away. Soon after, my hands and wrists began to swell, and I developed cankles for the first time in my life. I was in constant pain, utterly exhausted, and waking seven or eight times a night. I had never felt so uncomfortable in my body.

My GP referred me to the Hospital Rheumatology Department. After three weeks of waiting in a sleepless fog of agony, I finally received a diagnosis: Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Oddly, I wasn’t surprised. I remembered my grandmother talking about her knee pain—her “rheumatism,” as she called it. It felt like my genetic destiny had caught up with me.

Still, I was in shock. I had trained at the highest level as a ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School in London. Movement had always been central to who I was. To be told I had a chronic disease that could limit my ability to move—and that I would need to take powerful immune-suppressing drugs for the rest of my life—was devastating.

Drugs, Pain and Fatigue

With no clear alternatives, I followed the treatment plan. The medication eased some of the swelling and pain, but the side effects were crippling. Getting the kids to school felt like climbing a mountain. Most days, fatigue kept me on the sofa until it was time to collect them again.

My children were extraordinary. They helped me with everyday tasks—undoing buttons, pulling off my jeans, cutting up my food. I couldn’t even hold a fork in my left hand. Slowly, the reality sank in: I might need help with the basics for the rest of my life.

There must be a better way?

I couldn’t accept that this was it. I began researching alternatives and found a nutritionist who suggested removing gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet. I made the changes—and within two weeks, I felt a real shift. My energy improved. The stiffness in my hands eased. Each day brought more progress.

That led me to Functional Medicine, and under the care of a skilled practitioner, I continued to heal. Eventually, I was able to stop taking all my medications.

Today, I’m in remission. I walk, swim, and enjoy weekly Pilates and yoga classes.

Helping others heal

Taking back control of my health—through diet, lifestyle, and the right support—was transformative. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops: there is another way! What we eat matters. What we put into our bodies matters.

I now follow a clean, Paleo-style diet that’s free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar. I’m proud of the way I’ve helped my body heal, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

If you’re feeling lost in pain, fatigue, or fear—please know there is hope. You have more power than you think.

Book a FREE 15-minute discovery session and I’ll be happy to discuss any questions you might have. Contact me today at: hello@rosfielden.co.uk