Juvenile Rhumetoid Arthritis--Serious?

Question

Does anyone out there have any children or know anyone who has this rare disease?

Answer 1

I'm 16 yrs old, and I have had JRA since I was 4. Although it's not in the most severe form, it has made a major impact on my life. It skips around in my body. For instance, when i was 4, it was in my ankle, and i had to wear an ankle brace for a long time. It's also been in my hips, and then mostly in my knees. It has kept me from doing any kind of sports, and now, when I'm getting to the age where I would like to work out to stay fit, I can't do many of the exercises. I'm lucky not to have it any worse than it is, but it is terrible, just as any other debilitating disease in children is. I'm not flexible at all, and one of my knees neither straightens or bends all the way. My main worry is that it will cause permanent damage that will affect me for the rest of my life even if I grew out of it. (Having severe swelling around a joint can cause problems).
I'm currrently looking for a safe and effective medication or anything else that would help, as I have tried steroids and they have stopped working. So if anyone out there has heard of anything...? Hope I was of some help.

Answer 2

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.

It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.

Today, I want to do the same for you!

Answer 3

It is not so rare. My cousin got rhumaroid very young. He has had joint replacement and all manner of problems. He was on embrel, but got lung infections. He was changed to other medications including steroids. Sometimes he will do good for a little while, but it is always there. It is a dreadfull disease.

Answer 4

my mother has rhumetoid arthritis,yes!! its serious,its crippling.she can barely walk now,and its not really rare either.maybe in juveniles,but adults have heard mostly of this crippling disease.

Answer 5

my older sister. she was diagnosed after 6 years of frustration. one of the key things you can do with a child who has JRA is make them do simple tasks like tying their own shoes, even if their hands hurt. it will keep their joints flexible and give them greater mobility throughout life. both of you will want for you to do those tasks, but in the long run your child will thank you. get in contact with the arthritis foundation. they have support groups for you and your child. you will learn about all the right things to do to care for the illness.
http://www.arthritis.org/

Answer 6

I have it due to major injuries when I was younger. All I really take is Tylenol and hope for the best. I always know when storms are coming and such, due to the intense pain. Good Luck!!

Answer 7

My niece has it.
She has to take ibuprofen every day and also has something that she injects. (Sorry...don't know the name of the drug.....I *think* it's methotrexate.) She got much better once she started the meds. Her mobility is better and she is more interested in running around and being active with other kids since she started her treatments.

Answer 8

my brother had it and was incapable of moving his left side for 14 weeks, after treatment he has full mobility hes now 49 and doing well.