Anna

Hi my name is Anna! I am 12 and I have had JRA for about 1 year now. I have it in both feet, ankles, knees, wrists, hands and my fingers! Sometimes I can't even walk down the stairs, because my feet and knees hurt so badly! Also I struggle with writing, my hands cramp up so fast and painful. 

But now I am going to a Pediatric Rheumatologist, she is great and very concerned about further joint damage in my body. I am now
on Meloxicam, Leflunomide and Enbrel. It's hard, I must admit but I
never give up hope and you shouldn't either. I used to think, "Why me? I just want be a normal kid, and not have a disease!" I know you can still feel alone and are new at having arthritis, trust me, you are not at all alone! Just think:  1 out of 5 adults have arthritis, 1 in 250 kids under 18. 

There are many of us out there, sharing the same feelings. Just remember you're not alone in this fight against arthritis! Hold your head up high! You are very strong and amazing!