My JIA Journey
It has been mentally and physically exhausting working through an autoimmune disease, and anyone going through something similar, please know you are not alone. Second, I understand how difficult and tempting it is to give up, but I guarantee there will be an end. For me, this lasted two years before my diagnosis was formalized, but the day arrived, and although I was diagnosed with a crippling and most likely life-long condition, it was one of the best days of my life. This autoimmune disease (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) causes swelling in the joints. The pain started in my jaw, and moving around the rest of my joints took time. The jaw pain was the most debilitating, so getting a diagnosis was crucial in taming the inflammation and potential damage caused by the condition.
In 9th and 10th grade, before my diagnosis, I was experiencing a variety of aches and pains that specialists couldn't explain. This was frustrating and mentally draining because I knew in my gut something was wrong. There were times when it was difficult for me to concentrate or take notes in class, but I’m proud to say I never used this disease as an excuse.
I’ve experienced a variety of emotions as I learned about my illness. The idea that my immune system is attacking my body for reasons unrelated to my age has been challenging for me to accept. I know it’s been painful for my parents to watch me in agony because usually I’m full of energy of a kid who never stopped moving and doing, and I was breaking down. This was especially hard because staying strong for my parents has always been important to me. Throughout crew and squash practices, JIA was constantly affecting me, and I quickly had to adapt and pursue other interests, like tutoring students and completing an online psychology course offered outside of my school to enhance my interest in mental health.
This diagnosis has forever changed my perspective on life. This path has pushed me to learn early on about life's ups and downs and how to deal with them.
I am continuing the process of trying to find a medication that manages my symptoms. Adapting to a different lifestyle, including medicines with exhausting side effects and struggling with joint stiffness and swelling, has taught me to be forever grateful for what I have and for the people supporting my journey. The barriers I have overcome have not been easy, but they have helped me become stronger and shaped me into who I am today.
Overall, JIA has taught me about resilience, the importance of listening to my body, and adapting activities to manage and stay healthy. I won’t let JIA stop me – instead, I have chosen to use it as a source of empowerment so I can be the best version of myself. JIA won't get in the way of my dreams. It is a part of my life; it does not define me– I define my journey.