“THE AGE OF ARTHRITIS….”
What does arthritis look like?????
Is it wrinkled, gray, and crippled? Or – is it a child, a teenager, a ballet dancer, a professional athlete?
The truth is, it can be any of the above. Arthritis in its different forms can affect all ages and ethnicities.
I personally “don’t look sick” but at age 26 have multiple ongoing health problems, including Rheumatoid Arthritis that I’ve had since around the age of 10. Well-known NBA player Allan Iverson has recently been sidelined due to arthritis in his knee. We had an honoree for our Fall Walk, Deora, who was only 2 years old, and a Jingle Bell Run Honoree, Maddie, who was just 9 years of age. My grandmother has arthritis; but so does a friend of mine in her early 30’s. There is no set age when arthritis can strike, and the reality is, since there are so many different types, it can happen to just about anyone!
That being said, when it does happen to you — especially if you are a child or young adult — you may still feel like you ARE the only one. We’d like you to know that you are NOT alone!!
I cannot even begin to ESTIMATE how many times I’ve been told that I’m “too young for arthritis” — people absolutely stare at me in disbelief when I say that I have it. I’m sure many of you reading can relate! This frustration along with many other shared struggles & helpful hints can be accessed right at your fingertips, whether you are 10, 50, or 100 years old!
We’ve set up a Facebook Page for older teens and younger adults who live with arthritis. I know when I’m not feeling well, I don’t always feel like talking or socializing; but on the other hand, chronic diseases can be isolating, so it is important to build a community of support. So, we invite you to join our community, online. Become a fan of “Rheum to Grow – For Teens & Young Adults with Arthritis & Related Disease!” on Facebook by clicking here. We hope that you’ll utilize this space as a networking opportunity. Organize your own meet-ups or happy hours; and share your struggles, trials, and tribulations with friends…who may start out “virtual” but who may also become very near and dear. We also encourage you to upload your photos – along with a brief intro – to this page so that we can show the world, together, what arthritis truly “looks like!”
Also,
If you are a child with Juvenile Arthritis or a JRA family/parent, you will be happy to know that we have an online social network available for kids to talk to other kids about living with arthritis. At www.kidsgetarthritistoo.ning.com children and teens with arthritis can share stories and photos as they make friends with others just like themselves. The site is moderated by staff members of the Arthritis Foundation, and we approve all memberships. There, kids can access our blog, Twitter, and YouTube channel – and most importantly, find support from others like them. Juvenile arthritis is the 6th most common childhood disease, and we want young people with arthritis to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Be sure to learn more about the 2010 Arthritis Foundation Advocacy & Kids Summit – regardless of your age - here.
Keep on reading our Rheum for Wellness blogs for personal stories, news on upcoming events, and arthritis health and wellness information. Also do not forget to check out Arthritis Radio on podbean.com or iTunes for interesting information on Juvenile Arthritis and general health issues, as well as interviews with thriving “younger” people who live with arthritis, such as State Representative Jennifer Mann, pageant queen Shauna Rice, and author/chef Melinda Winner. 
Below is a list of helpful links for the newly diagnosed “Young Arthritis Patient.”
(hey, use your discretion – everyone’s definition of “young” varies!!!)
Please browse through these sites and keep reading Rheum for Wellness for many more useful resources:
Rheum to Grow – A Facebook Page for Teens & Young Adults
Kids Get Arthritis Too – A Ning network so kids can talk to other kids with arthritis!
The Single Gal’s Guide to Arthritis – A hip, young look at life with RA
RA Guy – Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy is our favorite arthritis “Superhero!” – A useful blog from a charming young man, chock-full of arthritis info!
“RA Sucks But Life Still ROCKS!” – Check it out!
This blog is a funny, personal look at one young woman’s life with rheumatoid arthritis – Confessions of an RA Super….
Melinda Winner’s Arthritis Survivor Network on Facebook!
A blog with great RA updates: The “Living Rheum”
Occupational Vocational Rehabilitation – A part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – offers career counseling & even scholarship monies for people who have arthritis & other disabilities. 
Here are some of my past blog entries for the AFWPA that deal with living with/growing up with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including my new Ashley’s Journey to Wellness Series: here.
Kidshealth.org has some useful info on Juvenile Arthritis!
Check out the Arthritis Foundation’s JA Alliance for Juvenile Arthritis, here!
Last but not least, check out BUCKLE UP! The International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement that has a focus on “young” people with arthritis. Here is their website, here is their Facebook page!
One more thing to remember is that if you are in school – whether it is at the elementary, high school, or college level – you may want to take the time to try to educate teachers & classmates about your illness. If you need certain accommodations, do not be afraid to ask! Many people, even your teachers or administration, do not understand that this illness can affect young people, or, that it can have such multi-systemic and even disabling effects!
Here is an Arthritis Foundation resource page for Arthritis Success at School: http://www.arthritis.org/ja-school-success.php#5
If you are in college, there are often programs available for students with disabilities, of which arthritis is typically included. Check with your advisor!
Thanks for reading – and working young adults, check out our past blog on Working with Arthritis for more tips on dealing with these types of diseases in the work place!
Feel free to email me personally at aboynes@arthritis.org if you have any personal questions about living life with arthritis! Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @AFWPA. You may also find it useful to follow @JRAPeeps.
Please feel free to share your comments, or stories on living with arthritis or having a child with arthritis….and, as always – be well!
Best,
– Ashley Boynes
Arthritis Foundation
Community Development Director
Western Pennsylvania Chapter
“Voted Best Blogger in Pittsburgh!”
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