But You're Too Young...

I mentioned before that I have had people tell me, “But you’re too young to have arthritis.”  In fact, I heard it again just yesterday.  Why is arthritis seen as something that plagues only older people?

This is what the Arthritis Foundation has to say regarding arthritis.  Beginning with Osteoarthritis:

“Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe.

In normal joints, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. As OA worsens over time, bones may break down and develop growths called spurs. Bits of bone or cartilage may chip off and float around in the joint. In the body, an inflammatory process occurs and cytokines (proteins) and enzymes develop that further damage the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone leading to joint damage and more pain.

Although OA occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. Common risk factors include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles, and genes.”

And now Rheumatoid Arthritis, again, from the Arthritis Foundation: 

“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system – which normally protects its health by attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses – mistakenly attacks the joints. This creates inflammation that causes the tissue that lines the inside of joints (the synovium) to thicken, resulting in swelling and pain in and around the joints. The synovium makes a fluid that lubricates joints and helps them move smoothly.

If inflammation goes unchecked, it can damage cartilage, the elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, as well as the bones themselves. Over time, there is loss of cartilage, and the joint spacing between bones can become smaller. Joints can become loose, unstable, painful and lose their mobility. Joint deformity also can occur. Joint damage cannot be reversed, and because it can occur early, doctors recommend early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to control RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. The joint effect is usually symmetrical. That means if one knee or hand if affected, usually the other one is, too. Because RA also can affect body systems, such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems, it is called a systemic disease. Systemic means “entire body.” 

About 1.5 million people in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nearly three times as many women have the disease as men. In women, RA most commonly begins between ages 30 and 60. In men, it often occurs later in life. Having a family member with RA increases the odds of having RA; however, the majority of people with RA have no family history of the disease.”

So, while both forms of arthritis deal with joint pain and damage, they differ greatly in how the joint is damaged and what has caused  it.  I have heard many RA sufferers refer to the condition as Rheumatoid Disease instead of Rheumatoid Arthritis to help deter comments such as, “Oh, my grandmother had that.  You should take Glucosamine”, or “You’re too young for arthritis.  My great uncle has it and he’s 82.”  Calling it Rheumatoid Disease may help others understand that it is something completely different than what Grandma has, and the treatments aren’t as simple as drinking miracle acai juice.

I am not a Doctor.  I am not a health professional in any form.  I am not even very knowledgeable in sciences.  That’s why my goal is to raise awareness about Rheumatoid Arthritis and my experiences with it, instead of educating.  I don’t feel qualified to educate people on much of anything.  I am, however, qualified to share my lifestyle, experience, (limited) research, and hopefully not only help enlighten someone, but maybe bring a bit more joy or support for someone who may be going through hard times.  RA or no RA, I want to help someone smile

 Riley

Intro

Hello, my name is Riley.  I have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Disease, Rheumatism, etc.).  Now, just because I have RA, doesn’t mean that I’m an expert on everything RA.  I don’t have experience with every treatment option, every symptom, nor every type of ache or damage.  However, I am an expert regarding MY experience with RA.

It amazes me how many people are unfamiliar with Rheumatoid Arthritis and many of the effects it can have on people.  I was diagnosed when I was 17 years old.  By the time I was 23, I was walking with the aid of crutches all the time.  My knees were the size of softballs, my hips were bent, my feet could barely hold my 115 pounds, and my fingers could no longer run along the piano keys that they could just a few years earlier.  Regarding my condition, I heard everything from “But you’re so young,” to “My aunt had arthritis and she did gold shots. You should do that,” to “I have a miracle drink that will cure you,” and “I didn’t know you could get arthritis at this age.”

While I do have a unique story about my RA (everybody does), it is by no means the worst possible case.  I was looking on the Arthritis Foundation’s website a few years ago, and one of the headlines was advertising an Arthritis Walk in Las Vegas, Nevada.  On the page, was a photo of an adorable little boy, maybe 4 or 5 years old, standing on crippled legs with the aid of forearm crutches, posing for a photo next to a couple of show dancers.  I just about burst into tears when I saw that photo with that little cutie.  I know how painful my journey has been as a young adult.  I thought that if that boy’s pain was anything like mine, what a great injustice there is in this world for someone so young to have to endure that.  

My goal is to raise awareness.  I want to raise awareness of the increasing presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I want to raise awareness of my experience of RA.  I want to raise awareness of the challenges RA can pose to people who are burdened with it.  I want to raise awareness of ways to help those who may be caring for someone with RA.  Lastly, I want to raise awareness for support of those who have RA, and those who are caregivers to those with RA.

According to the CDC, “Arthritis is the nation’s most common cause of disability.”  If that is true, why are there so many people with questions about it?  Why do so many people say hurtful things to me because of ignorance regarding the struggles of RA?  How can I help people understand what may be helpful, not just for me, but for their loved ones that may be struggling with arthritis or other chronic conditions.

Even though I’m in pain, I try to smile.  That’s the best thing that anyone can do no matter what else is going on in this crazy life.  So here are some smiles for you, and remember to make it a great day!

Riley