Pam Smith
I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 2yrs old. It started in my right knee. I do not remember much of how it effected me when I was so young. My mom says there were a lot of high fevers to deal with, doctors appts, and physical therapy. I remember being on baby aspirin back then. My favorite releive was soaking in a hot whirlpool bath. I am 28yrs old now. I do have many noticable deformaties from having JRA. Even though my arthritis is not active, I still deal with the pain, swolling and lack of physical ability. I have been on ibrophen for serveral years and it has done well for me in controlling swelling and pain. As you child gets older, she may have more mental pains than physical. Being different is hard. However now a days there is a lot better health care out and much better medication then ever before. Follow your doctors advice, but do not forget to go with your gut feelings and as your child gets older, make sure he/she is able to express what makes he/she feel better. Nothing worse than being pushed into doing something you know is not going to help! Best wishes!