I got JRA (left knee )when I was 2.5 yrs. old. due to hitting it in the corner of a coffee table. I had lots of exercises to do growing up and luckily I also went into remission. Had a couple flare ups in my early 20's; but only for a few days at a time. It wasn't until my husband and I wanted to have a child I got a flare up (couldn't walk). I was probably 1-2 wks. pregnant and didn't know it yet. I have had a lot of problems with multiple joints since. We had a 2nd child almost 2 years ago and it's been very hard in terms of lifting and chasing him. Both my knees are effected, elbows, wrists and my back. I awake with the stiffness and pain everyday as well. Some days are easier than others. I just started seeing a new rheumatoligist and was prescribed Planquenil - for pain/inflammation and to help prevent the disease from spreading/progressing.
I also wanted to mention that I've also been diagnosed with Osteoporosis at age 31. I have read numerous articles that RA is believed to cause this disease... Well, I have it! Currently, I take lots of calcium and vit. D daily.