jlacy2213's Story

By jlacy2213

1 min read

Hi all!..I was diagnosed with JRA at age 10. I am now 31, turning 32 in September. It's been a very long road for me.

Diagnosis and treating RA

Before they diagnosed me with JRA, they thought I had cancer. I spent a week in Children's Hospital while they did every test imaginable. I've been on almost every medication for RA they have out currently.

Surgery after surgery

I have had many surgeries and procedures done including a total hip replacement at age 17, knee surgery on my right knee at 21, knee surgery on my left knee at age 30, a total foot fusion at age 29 and many joint infections... mostly in my knees (about 45 in each knee so far).

Experiencing liver failure

About 3 years ago my liver started failing at a very fast speed and my doctors couldn't figure out why. After having an ultrasound on my liver and in turn having a piece cut out to be tested it turned out I had drug induced hepatitis caused by my RA medication (Remicade) at the time.

I'm open about my experience with RA

Theres a lot more to my story and I'm pretty much an open book about my life experiences...joining a group like this is totally new to me and its very eye opening to know so many people suffer from the same disease as I do.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3182147" username="jlacy2213"/> Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your RA journey with us. You have had a very long road (Understatement). I am so glad that you are part of our <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> family. You are resillient. Please continue to reach out. We are here for you. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumaroidArthritis.net Team Member"
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi jlacy2213. Know that you are not alone here. In fact, your story sounds a little familiar. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two, both knees and hips replaced as a teenager and wheelchair shortly after, and JRA now for over 40 years (I'll direct her to your story). We also have a couple of other JRA contributors, Kat and Daniel, diagnosed at two and nine respectively. If you do a little searching in our archive (search button at top left) of terms associated with JRA you can find articles they and others wrote on life with it. Here is one Kelly wrote on growing up with JRA: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-loneliness-of-being-a-jra-kid' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-loneliness-of-being-a-jra-kid/</a>. People here understand an this community is here for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Monica Y. Sengupta Moderator & Contributor
Hey <inline-mention user-id="3182147" username="jlacy2213"/> ! Thanks for sharing your story. What struck me is how strong and resilient you are. I was diagnosed at 20 and cannot even fathom how difficult my life would have been if I had been diagnosed as a child. I hope you continue to share your story of strength. As Richard mentioned, Kat was diagnosed with JRA and your story reminded me of an article frm her about the positive things she's learned along her journey. I wanted to share it with you because I thought you might like it: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-pot-of-gold' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-pot-of-gold/</a> All the best, Monica