Zach J.
Well, I am Zach, a normal teen guy, entering high school this year, who just happens to have juvenile arthritis. I was diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) when I was 6 years old. The doctors would tell you that this means more than one major joint in my body has dysplasia. But in teen speak, that means that both of my hips joints are eroded and they hurt all the time - some times more than others.
Last year, my parents and I flew to Baltimore, Maryland three times for evaluation and two surgeries, which have really helped my pain and got me off of crutches.
But like I said, I am a normal teen guy, whatever this means.....I like swimming, riding bikes, rock climbing, tubing, playing guitar, hanging out with my friends, youth group, girls, video games, movies, NCIS, Criminal Minds and eating. I don't like homework or reading; although, my parents make me read.
Why am I blogging?
Well, I want to connect with other teens with juvenile arthritis (JA) so that we know we are not alone facing this disease. There are others like us, who understand. I also want to get more teens involved with fighting this disease– There is power in numbers. We can be a part of the solution - a part of finding a cure, if we all work together.
Together we can support each other, communicate our fears, concerns and struggles. We can learn from each other and work together to fight this disease, and we can help others understand that despite our physical condition…we are NORMAL!!!
We cannot let this disease win!
