Sandy's Story: JRA Since 1958

I started having joint pain at age four in my left hand and both feet. I have been living with JRA for the last 65 years. At one point I could barely walk and had to have bunions removed on both feet at age 16, which made me miss a lot of school. My younger sister helped me until age 18. I have no immune system, so I get sick easy. I also have RA in my lungs, diabetes, and diverticulitis (with an ostomy bag). All this has been hard to take care of with RA.

I worked 25 years so I could retire with medical benefits. I was hit by a drunk driver 2 months after I retired and only got 100 thousand because I had no lost wages.

I just got married 4/12/22; my only marriage. My husband understands my RA to a point and helps me as much as he can. We don't have any children. Before getting married, I lived all alone. Dressing myself was hard to do living alone. All my clothes are pull on or pull off. Slip on shoes only.

What tips do you have for dressing yourself? Share them below!