Donna

I am sorry for the pain you are in and hope this might help to know that there are others out there.  You can do it! 

Amanda

I totally understand where you're comin from.  Maybe in a different sense, but I know those feelings.  I started to develop JIA when I was 5, but the offical diagnoses wasn't for 2 yrs because the doctors couldn't figure out what was going on(and today they still don't know what to expect from my body).  It started with a skin rash and then proceeded to my fingers a year later.  From that point on it was rehab, meds and braces to try and stop/correct what was going on.  The arthritis took on as if it was rheumatoid, but everything said it wasn't.  My fingers all curled up, my wrists turned inward, and I lost ROM in all of my joints.  Fortunately I never had to have surgery, or be on heavy medications, but I went from a kid that was extremely active to being banned from all physical activity for a time.  Now that I am 21 (inside a 40-60 year olds body) there are just a few things physically that appear to point out that I have arthritis; the pain still exsists and I now am on stronger medication for it. 

Growing up I did become increasingly active dispite my doctors orders and eventually went on to play 2 different college sports which I just recently quit.  I encourage you to do all you can and fight through.  Even now I struggle with remembering those concepts that came so easily when I was little.  I just recieved blood work today that has come back abnormal and it is scary to sit back and think of all that happen so long ago and not wanting to repeat it.  I still cringe when I go to the doctor in fear of the unknown and as I sit and read all the stories I think how blessed I am for my diagnoses to not be so severe.  I empathsize with everyone, in no way do I feel sorry or pity anyone.  Arthritis sucks and that's all there is to it.  But I understand that you can move forward and do the things you shouldn't be able to. 

I also had the privilage and blessing to have amazing doctors and OTs growing up that sent me to a camp for kids with arthritis.  I learned so much from that camp and I now work for that camp that serves kids with all different kinds of chronic illnesses and disease; not just arthritis.  Being there watching kids with conditions from spinobifida, cancer, arthritis to asthma, and many others, overcome obstacles like riding a horse, catching a fish, climbing the rock wall, or completeing an everyday task serves as a great reminder of all we are capable of.  The kids push through at full steam ahead and I think you have to take a child like approach reguardless of your age.  They don't understand everything that is going on and don't care for that matter.  They are kids and they are going to continue on.

I hope to serve as an encouragement and give you peace that you are not the only one that has the feelings you do.  The feelings maybe a little different, but I come with an understanding.  I pray that you get to remission and things ease up. 

Best Wishes,

Bre