Being Young and have RA

Hi - thanks for reaching out. Yes there are many in our community who have been diagnosed pretty young due to JIA/JRA - https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/what-is-ra/juvenile-ra One of our advocates, Kelly Mack actually has written a lot about her experience - https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-loneliness-of-being-a-jra-kid. You're definitely not alone!


-Reggie (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

, thank you for sharing. In addition to the articles Reggie shared I also wanted to share another one from Franki, who was diagnosed at 15. In her article, she shares the start of her journey: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/a-young-warrior

I hope you find the article interesting. All the best and please know you can always come here if you need to talk. We are here to listen! ~Monica (team member)

Hi, ! Nice to virtually meet you. I was officially diagnosed at age 16 as well, and I am currently 24! My symptoms started at age 10, and it was a long road of trying to find answers. I work my hardest to stay active and live a typical 20-year old life, but of course, RA plays a roll and jumps in at times. I totally relate with you on being diagnosed during high school. I am wishing you the absolute best in your journey & of course if you have any specific questions for me then I would totally be down to answer!

Hey AuroraRJ94! I am sorry you are feeling discouraged with the disease right now. It can honestly feel really defeating sometimes. I was diagnosed when I was 19 and I am 27 now.

I have never felt more discouraged about this disease than I have this past year. My medication stopped working and everything went off kilter. I had some of the worst flare ups I have ever experienced. I remember hobbling to my car after work one day and just crying in the parking lot. My toe hurt so bad I could barely press the pedals in my car. Once I made it home and inside I laid on my bed and cried more. It felt never ending. I am finally in a place again where medication is helping a lot.
What I am getting at is that it is very easy to fall down the rabbit hole. There are multiple things that come from that. One is that you are allowed to feel that way. You are allowed to feel discouraged and defeated. But through that you can come out feeling empowered. You are a young person who is so incredibly strong and brave for getting up every day and dealing with this disease. I think RA also teaches us how invisible illnesses can lurk in anyone and you never truly know what someone is going through. I know RA has made me a stronger person for these reasons even when I felt like I was at my weakest. I hope that you are able to find some relief from your symptoms. Never stop fighting!!