I Made It: 'The decision to fight this disease was an easy one'

K.C. Newcomb, 63, Lithia

GOAL: To live a normal and productive life with rheumatoid arthritis.

WHY I DID IT: At the age of 40, I woke up one morning and could not touch the back of my head. The pain in my shoulder was almost unbearable and continued to get worse. Over the next few months, the pain and swelling became worse and moved to my hands, feet, knees and hips. I was 17 years into a successful career in law enforcement, and obviously I needed to be physically fit and able to perform all aspects of the job. If I let this disease beat me, I would have to retire prematurely with no hope of finding a second career.

I had always been physically active and was an athlete in my youth. Even at 40, I was involved in sports. Then, of course, there is that ego thing to deal with. I recall doctor visits and sitting in waiting rooms with mostly older women who had horribly deformed hands. I was so fearful that in a few short years this would be my fate, as the deformity of my own hands had started. The dread of severe deformity, the loss of my career, the pride and ego of who and what I was, and the pain and lack of mobility all made the decision to fight this disease an easy one.

HOW I DID IT: My first rheumatologist misdiagnosed me because my blood work did not show the rheumatoid factor. I was diagnosed as suffering from fibromyalgia and, as a result, I had a year or so delay in getting the proper treatment. During this year and subsequently, I suffered deformities to my hands and feet. After changing doctors and being correctly treated, further damage to my joints was slowed. This doctor, Tampa rheumatologist Harris McIlwain, really knew his stuff and as a normal progression, we tried dozens of different kinds of medicines to control the disease. He was key in my fight, always positive yet pragmatic. He didn't hesitate to change treatments when I did not respond. He spent ample time with me and was a practiced listener.

HURDLES: Some treatments provide relief from the pain and swelling, others not so much. The frustration comes from the fact that the effectiveness of certain drugs can be short-lived and the process of trial and error starts again.

In addition to the frequent flair-ups of pain and swelling, there is the almost certain depression that tries to creep in. I was determined not to let this disease beat me, and I fought it both physically and mentally. Though I could no longer participate in sporting activities, I found a substitute in coaching the police department's softball team. I was able to stay physically active by doing yard work -- which I happen to like.

On the professional side, I was able to continue my law enforcement career without too much difficulty. I had moved up the career ladder and was no longer chasing the bad guys. I was a captain assigned to the Narcotics Division, which is almost all night work. By the time I went to work in the afternoon, my stiffness had subsided and I was able to function. Only my subordinates were aware of my condition and how bad it sometimes was. I stayed in this assignment for many years, and when I was promoted out of it, my condition was not an issue.

I did have a "rubber knuckle" joint replacement, as my trigger finger had become deformed and inflexible. This new knuckle made it as good as new, and I was able to defend myself. Unfortunately, the tendons in both thumbs fell victim to ragged joints that "cut" them from the joint. After several attempts to reattach the tendons, I gave up and learned to live without flexible thumbs. It's amazing what you can do to adapt to your circumstances.

GOING THE DISTANCE: Twelve years into this disease, my rheumatologist invited me to participate in a drug study his group was conducting. Abbott Laboratories developed a new type of drug to combat rheumatoid arthritis; Humira is an injectable drug that somehow stopped the pain sensors and prevented the swelling of the joints. Without hesitation and only a brief moment of concern for side effects, I agreed to participate in the five-year blind study. I immediately felt relief. After five years, the drug was approved by the FDA, and Abbott decided to extend the study for five more years. I experienced the same great results. The drug study ended 16 months ago, and I continue taking Humira (except I have to pay now) with great results.

BEST ADVICE: My keys to success in fighting this disease are: Don't give in and never stop believing that you can and will win. Don't look for a victory in the traditional sense; there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are daily victories. Don't be afraid to deviate from the norm. Had I not taken the risks involved in a drug study, I probably would not have been able to sit down at a keyboard and type these words.