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.