My arthritic condition

 

I suffer from sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I've got very used to it over the last 21 years. Initially, I was very disabled by it and on crutches. After the first year, I slowly got back to something like a normal life - with the help of a wonder drug called sulfasalizine. Without this, I would be in a lot of trouble.

RA is an 'auto-imune desease', meaning my immune system is attacking my joints. No-one knows why this happens, but there are theories.... I live with a lot of daily pain. One day, this joint, tomorrow another joint. Every day is different. I recently realised that I have become so inured to pain, that I hardly recognise it anymore. It is so normal. My partner, she recently asked me: "Are you in pain at the moment, Love?" I had to stop and observe and then said "Yes, in my wrists and feet today". It sounds strange, but sometimes I haven't noticed fully, as it is so normal. I can't remember life without pain. I also have osteoarthritis in my feet.

Cold, damp conditions are the worst for me. Also sitting still for long periods. So I can only really meditate for 50 minutes max now. 30 minutes is better. I don't take painkillers at all as, if I did, I would probably become addicted. I would need a lot. Exercise and movement are best.

I am not a moaner. I just get on with life and appreciate what's good in my life (which is a lot). 

A few years ago a Rheumatologist at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, suggested I cycled, swam and went to the gym more. He said that vigourous exercise would improve my musculature, which would then support the joints more. It would also help stave off osteoporosis (thinning bone density) which I am at high risk of. He was right. These excercises are working well, and my week contains a mix of cycling, walking and visits to the YMCA gym. When the pools reopen, I'll be swimming again.

I currently cycle around 130 miles a week. I have cycled 8000 miles since March 2020 lockdown. 

This LEJOG cycle is within my abilities, I believe. And..... I'll continue to keep taking the tablets.

My Triratna India History

Here's me talking briefly about the history of my involvement in Triratna India and the birth of the idea of Triratna Kolkata.

A big summer ahead

Welcome to my blog! I’m Saddharaja. You may also know me as Richard Smart. This summer is a big one for me, I’m cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the UK during July/August. I want to raise money for a Triratna project in Kolkata, India. It’s an iconic bike ride for any endurance cyclist. The furthest point South of the UK to the highest point North.

You can follow my progress daily on this blog. You’ll see videos of me struggling up hills and whizzing down them. You can share my experiences of the beautiful UK landscape, weather, people and crazy stuff I meet on the way. You can follow the drama of my 1200 mile ride, with daily video updates, maps, stories and anecdotes.

I’ve worked periodically in India for 18 years in Triratna projects. Having spent time in Kolkata West Bengal, I’ve met many, many Buddhists keen to see Triratna activities develop within the city. I’m part of a team aiming to do that. Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is called the ‘cultural capital of India’ with its unique poetry, arts and theatre culture, film industry and traditional music. Metropolitan Kolkata has 14.1 million people. The potential for developing Buddhist activities is vast. So many people’s lives could be enhanced if we do this. So many Bengalis could meet the Dharma for the first time. I want to help this project happen. Part of this means raising funds.

So far, our team has led two successful retreats in Kolkata and interest is strong. We need to take the project onto the next stage – Indian Order members living in the city – teaching the Dharma. I’m raising money to facilitate this.


I live in Cambridge, am 62 and have suffered Rheumatoid Arthritis for 21 years. It’s a painful condition and slowly getting worse. The good news is that daily cycling (and other exercise) helps greatly and holds my condition in check. I know I can do this ride. I’ve been in training for over a year now and cycle 20-25 miles daily. My general fitness for my age is very good (though I could do with losing a little weight). The GP has pronounced me ‘fit to ride’. I would also like to donate 5% of my raised funds to Arthritis Action, a UK charity that has helped me and many others.

If you would like to support me in this once-in-a-lifetime Big Cycle Ride, you can donate on my Gofundme page. Whatever you donate will be doubled, as a generous anonymous friend has offered to double whatever I raise.

So please join me on my 26-day journey, as I prepare and cycle the length of Britain. Below is my itinerary. I look forward to sharing these places with you.

Land’s End, Truro, Liskeard, Okehampton, Honiton, Street, Bristol, Cheltenham, Garway, Knighton, Malpas, Leigh, Burnley, Carnforth, Keswick, Gretna Green, Abington, Glasgow, Callander, Killin, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Lairg, Kinbrace, Thurso, John O’Groats.

With love,

Saddharaja