My Life With JRA

Hello my name is Tammy and I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 2 years old. It was hard growing up with a disease like RA it’s hard for anyone even harder for a child. From a young age I knew that I couldn't let my disease run my life. I still had to do daily chores and do daily exercises. I was always going to doctor appointments and I felt like I was the youngest one at the doctor’s office. I would get cortisone shots and fluid taken out of my knee's, but it never stopped me from doing what I wanted to do. I found out that I had to pace myself if I wanted to get anything done. If I worked to fast, I would get tired really fast and not be able to finish what I was doing. I was able to do the things that other people did I just had to do it at my own pace. I am 26 now and engaged to a wonderful understanding man who does a lot for me. I have chronic JRA and because of that there are things that I just can't do. He will be helping me through my knee surgery. Knee replacements surgery makes me nervous but I am ready. He is always there for me when I need him. I know its just as hard on him to see me go through the pain and the disease I have. I wanted to tell some on my story to maybe help someone else or someone helping me.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

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.