Hello my name is Jamie and I've been suffering with JRA since I was 8 years old. Being now 32 I've had a long a ruff life living in pain . My grandma told me about this web sight and I thought what a great chance for me to talk to others who also have this disease. I have meet alot of women around my age that are just now being diagnosed. But I would really love to find someone who has had this as a child like me. 

Also I've been unable to recieve medical insurance as well. My family are going into so much dept paying for medication and Dr.appt. but it's nessisary for me to have my meds and see my DR. I just don't know what else to do.  If anyone out there has any advise for me or any kind words,They would be most appriciated. Thanks so much for your time & god bless, Jamie

    My name is Robin. I am 35 years old and have been dealing w/ back pain for the past 3 years. Since my first child. At first I was told it was weak low back muscles. Then I was tested and was told I have a herniated disc L3,L4 area. Next I was then told that I have a mild to moderate case of degenerative arthritis. Now I am confused...it seems as I get older the worse my symptoms get. I have talked to my doctor about perhaps being tested for Fibromyalgia. My mother has this and Osteoarthritis as well. Who knows is it hereditary???I bought the whole getting older with kids bit. But now..my joints ache and I have trouble sleeping. No-scratch that. I have trouble staying asleep. I fall to sleep and wake up every hour or two just to get comfortable and can't get back to sleep. My doctor says there is no such thing as Fibromyalgia. He says that is what doctors say when there is no other label to put on you.  And there is no REAL tx for it. My mother tends to disagree. Needless to say I am confused and frustrated. It has been suggested I go see a specialist for FM and RA.? Do I need a referral for that? This has been going on for a while now but I still don't have any answers.Has anyone else been here? Some days I feel good. Other days I wake up and feel like I am 35 going on 95. Any help would be greatly appreciated as well as any prayers.

Between the Fibromyalgia and the arthritis, I have a lot of trouble walking on my own.  The pain and weakness from both is bad enough, but the Fibromyalgia causes me to randomly have dizzy spells or lightheadedness.  These days I don't go anywhere but work unless I have someone to go with me.  I've tried using a cane, but the ain and weakness in my arms makes it nearly impossible.  I have been told on numerous occasions that a service dog would be a good anser for this problem, but my  mother says (she works in the medical field) that she doesn't think I'm 'to that point yet'.  How do you know?  How bad do you let it get before something like that is a reasonable solution?  Does anyone on here have a service dog?

I'm sorry this is kind of long... I just feel very lost.

I have had RA for 5+ years and suffer mainly in my hands and feet with stiffness, pain and inflamation.  My major meds are methotrexate, prednisone and remicade infusions.  Has anyone ever had any success with Glucosamine ?

I have had JRA for 25+ years and have had 5 joint replacements.  I am looking to connect with any young adults in the twin cities, Minnesota area.  I have been married for over 6 years and have a 3 and a half year old daughter which can be extremely challenging with arthritis. 

Also, if anyone wants to ask me any questions feel free to post something.  I have been through a lot of experiences with my disease.  I was one of the first people with JRA to take Enbrel and I am still on it.  With the help of Enbrel, the joint replacements, and the drive to get better, I have become someone new.  I was wheelchair bound from about 6th grade up but my arthritis got a lot worse by the time I reached high school. 

I had my first joint replacements when I was 17 years old.  I graduated high school a semester early to have one of my hips replaced and then a week later both of my knees.  Six months after my surgeries I was in college.  I got slightly better through college although still mostly wheelchair bound and on crutches when walking.  My motivation came after college when I really wanted to be on my own.  I ditched the crutches and just stopped using my wheelchair.  I really pushed myself...maybe too hard.   In the end, I am happy with the outcome of everything and would have honestly not made it if it were not for my orthopaedic surgeon.  Mayo Clinic is so awesome!  I see a D.O. Rheumaologist now and he is ok although most doctors just don't understand the day to day struggles with arthritis.

Well after 9 years of pain & suffering I am finally going tomorrow for final approval to start Biologics. I have RA in 36 joints with the most severity being wrists and hands.

Has anyone tried more than one Biologic? Which one has the least side effects? Any recommendations on which one is better? I am leaning towards Enbrel.

Over the last 2 years I have gained 60 pounds and am now a whopping 210 pounds. Because of the Arthiritis in my feet, knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders and hands I have found it nearly impossible to exercise with any amount of repetition without ending in severe pain the following day. I know the weight gain is making the pain worse but I am stuck in a viscious circle. Any ideas on weight loss solutions???

I am looking for someone named Jenna Glass who used to work for the Arthritis Foundation and I met at one of the national conferences a long time ago.  If anyone knows how to contact her please let me know.  My email is jennamay1@hotmail.com.

Thanks!