Confusions Of what is happening. | Arthritis Information

 

Hello, I am a 19 year old girl from Ohio and I fear that I might have JA or RA.  I've had some joint stiffness over a span of about 2 years, but it really wasn't that painful, and I didn't pay much mind to it. Just recently I started wake-ing up to horrible stiffness in my hands and feet. This is really a terrible thing because I use my hands alot. I am an art student at the Columbus College of Art and Desighn, I draw everyday and I love playing video games, sewing, and creating many different kinds of art.  I have become afraid that I have JA or RA and that my life as an artist might end, and I think I would rather die than have that happen!! I can't live without my art. I could just be jumping the gun, this pain and stiffness might just be the cause of my creating art every single day. I also am afraid to get tested for RA because of all the blood tests they must take, I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to taking my blood. Dose anyone have any advice for me? Zoroko38771.7756134259I know that you are worried about going and getting poked at but it is a small price to pay if the tests give the doctor some insight into how to treat your symptoms.  If you can get relief then you can continue with your dream of being an artist. Now that is an easy choice to make dont you agree?  It is time for you to be a responsible adult and just get it done. It is not as bad as you think and you may even laugh at yourself for being such a weenie when you are done.  The prospect of being diagnosed with a ds. is no fun but pretending that it doesnt exist wont make it go away and will only prolong you anxiety and pain.  Go for it---take care of your business....you will have a much better quality of life if you can catch your problems early on and ward off more severe symptoms.  good luck, I know you can do this!

I've had JRA since i was 14 months old, and i'm now 18, so if they do diagnose it it's not the end of the world. I love art and its the only way i keep sane most o the time, you just have to find ways round it. I've got special grips that go on pens and paint brushes so that i can draw and paint.

I also have a phobia of needles but you just have to do it. I know this will sound really harsh but you just have to get on with it i suppose. It will be worth it knowing whether or not you have this.

I hope its not RA but if it is we are all here to help.

I'm 40 something and had JRA as a child.
I had times I was in remission but still suffer from it.

Being in Columbus, Ohio you have a great resource right there.
BTW I attended DeVry in Columbus 20 years ago.
I needed my hands to do computer work and had a flare up.
I found the place I am going to recommend to you...

Columbus Arthritis Center
When I went the doctor there was so nice that I had.

Hello, I'm 14 years old, and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a couple of months ago. However the pain all began in my feet about 6 months ago. I was a national champion cheerleader, and also did alot of street dancing, therefore i was on my feet dancing alot of the time. At first i was diagnosed with Planta fasciitis which is common in very sporty people, causing pain to the heel, the odd thing about mine was it was in both heals. I went back to the doctors a couple of months later, as the pain was not only in my heels but in my toes, ancles, fingers and wrists aswell. I had a blood test, being tested for 7 different things. I hated the wait after that, i was so anxious to know what was wrong as every day things got worse and worse, my shoulders began to hurt, and my knees, my joints would flame up so much i couldn't move. The hospital didn't do my tests, therefore i had to have them done again, and wait even longer. When my results came back, my Rheumatoid factor was 148, when it's supposed to be under 30. It was a huge shock and resulted in my giving up dancing, as working inflamed joints can cause deformities when not im Remission. It's changed my life alot, i try hard to stay positive but it's difficult to put on a brave face all the time! I don't mind talking about things, it often helps me get it all out, so feel free to chat to me if your worrying, i'd be happy to help, i know what it feels like!
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