“Explaining this to fellow highschoolers was difficult, often times just resulting in being the butt of the joke. It was hard finding someone who understood and could relate.”

Meet Ryan.

I first started noticing symptoms as early as age 12. At that time, many just advised me that I was going through some growing pains. As time went on my lower back pain worsened, to the point where I had a full time limp and had troubles walking short distances. For 2 years my condition was brushed off as a sports injury, or blamed on tight hamstrings and prescribed physiotherapy. It was only until I visited a walk-in clinic for a second opinion where I was properly tested and diagnosed for Ankylosing Spondylitis. The only reason I feel that I was properly diagnosed is because the doctor at the walk in clinic had it himself. He mentioned I would have been the youngest he’s seen with that diagnosis at 14 years old.

As someone in grade 9 already struggling with my identity, this diagnosis was quite the whirlwind. I realized this was life altering news, but on another end was thankful that what I had experienced was validated. Explaining this to fellow highschoolers was difficult, often times just resulting in being the butt of the joke. It was hard finding someone who understood and could relate. My initial rounds of treatment consisted of 14 pills a day, with quite a few side effects. Being 14 years old with your very own weekly pillbox was hard to accept. Initially the medication I was taking didn’t help, and despite the pills my condition worsened. I hit a low when I had to quite playing football, which was the only thing that got me excited at the time. I found myself feeling depressed and wasn’t sure if there was any hope to get better.

Through communicating with my supportive parents, I was able to get my medication plan changed. Shortly thereafter I finally started to see improvements, and for the first time in 3 years it felt that my pain was improving. I stayed dedicated to the plan and the advice my rheumatologist prescribed, determined to get back to football and better health. Over that year, through the support of my team at BC Childrens Hospital, I regained the ability to walk without a limp, run and even practice sports. I was able to return to the field full time thereafter and went on to win provincial championships in my senior high school years. When grade 10 came around, I decided that the easiest way to tell my friends about my condition, would be to participate and fundraise for the walk to fight arthritis. The amount of support I received for my story through promotion on my social media and within my family was immense. It had even turned out, that there was someone in my high school also going through a diagnosis of JIA. Since the walk, I made it my mission to turn this experience into something positive. Since then, I’ve volunteered my time in mentorship programs and summer camps to support kids going through similar experiences that I had. I want to make sure that kids know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that they’re not alone, despite how different they might feel. I personally gained so much for spending time in these programs – it’s the most fulfillment I’ve ever received, and I’ve developed lifelong friendships with those within the community.

My advice to youth recently diagnosed or living through JIA, would be not to let your condition define you. There will be times where certain things are difficult, but don’t let something stop you from doing what you love. Be patient with those around you, but also don’t forget to be patient with yourself. Listen to your body and stay determined to take steps in hopes to get better, and one day you’ll find yourself in a place that you would have never thought possible.