Diagnosed at 3 years old with JRA

By huggs3591

1 min read

I have had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of 3 - now I’m 55!

When I was in my 30s, I started having joint replacements. After my right knee replacement in 2008, I’ve had 9 surgeries on that leg. The last was in June of 2016 when I slipped and fell after a flood in my apartment and broke my femur and the bone came out my knee. It was horrible, by the time the paramedics got there I was going into shock because of blood loss. I don’t remember much more until I woke up the next day with metal sticking out of my leg. It was scary. Now I will probably be on crutches for the rest of my life. But God only gives us what we can handle. My saying has always been “Where there is will there is a way”! My life might not be easy but I try to make my sons, my daughter-in-law and my 2 yr old granddaughter happy with smiles and I love you ?

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hwb0w4 Member
Oh, you poor Dear!! You've been to heck and back with that leg, it sounds. Did your Dr. say that you'd always need crutches? You'd be surprised where determination can get you. Your saying goes a long way. As you know, many people who were told they wouldn't walk again, put their "best foot forward" and did their darnedest to walk and succeeded. Amazing people! Could be you! 😀 I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes(now know as Type 1 Diabetes) when I was aged 3. I thought that was bad but when I gained severe RA at 24, no comparison. I can't imagine having JRA, as a child. I'm happy that your family keeps your spirits up. That's very important. I hope that they help you when you need them also. That's great that you have a little one to have fun with and to love. Welcome Huggs!!
Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3175082" username="huggs3591"/> I totally get it. I have had RA for a little over 30 years now, and you're right, we are the toughest people made. We just keep on overcoming until the day we don't. Thanks for sharing, keep on keepin' on. DPM
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi huggs3591. So sorry to hear about the leg issues, but glad you are managing to keep an eye on the brighter side and the things/people that make life good. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed with JRA at two, had both knees and hips replaced at fifteen, and has used a wheelchair since her late teens. It does sound like she has had a little more luck with the replacements (although had to have a revision done on the one knee due to infection, including going a couple months without a knee while the infection was dealt with). Sounds like both of you share a strong desire to live life on your own terms. When I saw your comments about family thought you would relate to this article by Kelly on spending time with important people: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/spending-time-important-people' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/spending-time-important-people/</a>. Wishing you the best of luck with leg. If you are ever interested, Kelly also has articles on the freedom/independence her motorized wheelchair has enabled her. Thanks for sharing and being part of this community. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
joecon72 Member
Huggs3591, Glad you are still sounding positive!! I to have had 9 knee surgeries, but have had both replaced, along with my hips and a shoulder. RA is working on my ankle currently. Daily I think about how there are a lot worse off people than me and give thanks for that. It is true that your life is not easy with RA but never quit trying to put a smile on your loved ones faces.