Rheumatoid everywhere

jessdiable

Hey, I’m Jess, 25. 

i was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis when I was three, so to be honest, life with arthritis is all I’ve ever known. I was diagnosed at three, so no matter how old I get my type will always be Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis😅 

I have it in every joint in my body, and to be blunt, it’s agony, every day is a struggle, every day is an internal debate on whether I can actually do this or not. It’s so difficult to put into words, and people without arthritis don’t understand what it’s like, and they just think you’re over reacting, or you’re making ‘excuses’. It’s really hard, and the last year has been the hardest for me, but I have the most amazing partner, my Jonathan is the absolute light of my life, he helps me so much more than he ever knows. I would struggle so much more if I didn’t have the support I have from him, he does the small things like, gets me a brew, ties my shoes, helps me in and out of the bath, he even sticks with me when I’m having a bad day and I know I’m being a raging bitch!! I think the key to mastering arthritis is opiates and the support you get from other people.

Brynmor

Hi @jessdiable great to meet you. I see you have reposted from Say Hello after a welcome from @Aj_x

We have some great information on our web site that deals with JIA, including help with treatments, managing symptoms, and exercise.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/

There are also some great news stories you might like, including this one about 3 people meeting up on the Arthur’s Place Facebook group:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/january/you-ve-got-a-friend-in-me-how-three-friends-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-found-each-other/

Lastly, you might find the Arthritis Tracker app a useful free app for people aged 13 to 25 - so useful, everyone else wants one as well.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/young-people/arthritis-tracker/

Do join in across the Community, give support and help and also call in to chat and let us know how you are getting on.

All best wishes

Brynmor