Michelle

Michelle
Mishawaka, IN
Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 15


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How has your condition impacted you?  I was 15 to 16 years old when I found out I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  At first, I didn't know what to think, how to feel, or what to do.  I didn't feel "sick" so it was confusing to me.  I went to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for the pain, stiffness, and swelling I had in my left knee and in my right pointer finger.  Slowly, through the years, it started to affect me in different joints.  There were so many days I would just sit and cry.  There was nothing I could do but cry.  I felt very alone.  I lost two jobs because of my disease, I lost friends, and I lost my teen years.  Sometimes, I still wonder how I got out of bed each day.  However, now that I am responding well to medication, I spend most of my time symptom free.  It's been a long road to get me here, but I know it's not over.  I just thank my family for being here and for a husband who doesn't get it all, but tries so very hard to.  I do believe this has made me a stronger person and more compassionate towards others.

What would you like for other people to know about RA?  Just because you don't look sick or act sick every day doesn't mean that you are healthy.  I want everyone to know that.  Be compassionate towards others because you never know what they are battling.


What would you want to tell someone who is newly diagnosed with RA?  I want them to know that it's you and RA.  It's only the two of you.  It's best to just accept it.  It's hard not to think, "Why me?", but it's best to remember that things could always be much worse.  You are the only one who can make yourself feel better.  You'll be just fine . . . even on days when it doesn't feel like it.  There will be days that you struggle.  You will feel helpless at times.  You will experience a period of grief.  However, there is a world of people out there who understand the pain.  It's best to have a great doctor with great nurses.  Also, family and friends will pull you through anything.  It's best to be patient, say your prayers, and realize that you are not alone!

Extra thanks to Michelle for meeting me on a very cold day in December for this photo shoot and then patiently waiting for the July/August issue of Arthritis Today magazine to come out before seeing her portrait on this site.  Thank you Michelle!

Katherine

Katherine
New York City
Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 24

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How has your condition impacted you?  Honestly, I feel that RA hasn't impacted me as much as you may think.  I am still able to do the majority of the things I love.  When I was first diagnosed, learning that I couldn't go out drinking with my friends was quite disturbing.  At 24, that was what we did on weekends!  I've since adjusted my social life and am very happy.

What would you like other people to know about Rheumatoid Arthritis?  Most people associate Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with osteoarthritis, stating that, "Oh, my Grandma has that!" when you mention you have RA.  I'd like for there to be greater awareness of who is affected by RA and how it differs from other forms of arthritis.

What would you want to tell someone who is recently diagnosed with RA? I'd like to tell them not to read the information they find online.  But, I know that they will.  So, if you have to look online for info, also look for unique voices and bloggers talking about life with RA.  I've found a great group of young women in NYC all living with RA who have not let the disease change their lives.  Also, remember that the medical treatments have changed greatly in recent years, so you won't necessarily end up as an old lady with crippled fingers!

A special thanks to Katherine for enduring the freezing cold weather last winter for this photo shoot and for patiently waiting for the July/August issue of Arthritis Today magazine to come out before seeing her portrait on this site.  Thanks Kat!!