I was diagnosed with JIA 25 years ago.

Twenty-five years ago I was 13 years old and newly diagnosed with JIA or as it was known in my day, JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis).  When I was a teen I found a lot of peer support through a Juvenile Arthritis Physiotherapy program, which is why I was so excited to have recently found Cassie + Friends!

Although the pain and medications were hard to deal with, upon reflection I think it was my fear of the future that was the hardest for me. What does growing up to be an independent young adult look like when you have a chronic illness? Now as I approach 40 I don’t fear living with arthritis, it is only just a part of who I am.

Starting Biologics

Before Biologics came along, my outlook on my arthritis was pretty pessimistic. I was told to plan for a future where I may be partially disabled, and that thought took up a lot of space in the back of my head. Luckily I’m stubborn, didn’t listen, and went on to become a registered nurse working in the ICU. I started Biologics around ten years ago and never looked back. For me, it keeps things well managed with few side effects. 

There are Silver Linings

Probably the most positive effect arthritis has had on my life is by making me a better nurse. Having so many supportive health care professionals around me growing up inspired me to want to pursue a career in nursing. I think living with chronic illness gives me unique insight when treating my patients.

I like to keep a sense of humor about things, I pretend in the morning I’m like the tin can man in the “Wizard of Oz” needing to get my joints oiled.  I love to tease my middle-aged friends that we are finally on a level playing field as they start to feel their joints stiffen with age. I’m even having my daughter give me my weekly shot to help her get over her needlephobia for vaccines.  

The other thing arthritis has taught me is to plan for the best. When I was first diagnosed biologics were not widely available and like I said earlier, my health care team cautioned me to plan for a future where I may be partially disabled. I was told not to be a nurse but my stubbornness has only worked in my favor. 

I was so happy to discover Cassie + Friends because I know for myself finding peers with similar situations was invaluable.  I was lucky that when I was diagnosed, my community hospital had a Juvenile Arthritis Physiotherapy Program (with a pool!!!). Here I met other kids and was able to gain confidence in my ability to manage the disease.

Today I am a registered nurse working in the ICU of the same hospital I had treatment as a teenager.

Interesting in sharing your journey with rheumatic disease on our blog? Email Kelly@cassieandfriends.ca