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Surviving

I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when I was 12 years old. I’m 55 now. Over the years, I have tried almost every type of medication to find the best treatment for me.

Living with RA and mobility challenges

At eighteen, I ended up in a wheelchair for sixteen years. There were times when I couldn’t even get out of bed because my RA had invaded my whole body. As a result, I had both knees and a shoulder replaced. During that time, I considered smoking medical marijuana to help block some of the pain.

I always tell myself that if I can get past the morning stiffness and pain, I’ll be okay.

Finding the right treatment

My most recent doctor put me on Enbrel, which has taken the edge off my symptoms. Having lived with RA for so many years, I’ve learned not to let it take over my life.

Even though I experience pain, I push myself to maintain as normal a life as possible. Every day is a fight, but I refuse to let RA take control.

Managing the mental impact of RA

RA can also take a toll on mental health. I try to focus on hobbies rather than the pain and do what I am capable of doing. Sometimes, we have to work with RA rather than against it.

After living with RA for so many years, I know what to expect each morning and throughout the day. I try my hardest not to let it take over my life.

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