Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 06.03.2014
From: Evie

Subject: Young person with arthritis

Hi everyone. Im new to this as I often keep my emotions about arthritis to myself but I am finding it hard to cope at the moment. I'm 21 years old and was diagnosed at the age of 7. I had to learn very quickly I was different and in a sense I grew up fast. I often was told no and that I couldn't do things a normal person of my age could, but I repelled just to be normal. I'm now in my final year of university, with my dissertation due a month away, I have just been told I have it in my hip (age of 7 was in my knee). I am finding it so hard to balance a part time job, Uni work and my normal life. Having to act like it's okay when I'm in so much pain just to stop people asking what's the matter. People have never understood what it's like so I was hoping I could talk to some of you, perhaps have some support. Hope to hear from someone soon, would love a chat. :)
reply | back to forum

Date: 06.03.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

hi Evie , welcome to the forum , got alot of symphony with people with hip problems after suffering with my hip earlier this year because of RA , Arthritis Care has a young people's forum but dont know if would help you http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/index.php
reply | back to forum

Date: 06.03.2014
From: Evie

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Colin thank you for the reply and link. If you don't ask me asking how do you deal with it? I'm so used to knee pain I am really struggling with the hip pain
reply | back to forum

Date: 07.03.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Evie, What type of arthritis do you have and do you attend the hospital or GP? I think you should speak to one of them and see if they can give you something to help your pain and perhaps offer physiotherapy or at least give you some support. It must be very difficult for you trying to do your university work if you are in a lot of pain. Perhaps they would allow you extra time with exams etc if they know of your condition. It's natural to want to be the same as everyone else but sometimes it makes it harder trying to hide things. I am sure your friends would understand if you explained to them sometimes the pain you are in. Good luck with the Dissertation. x
reply | back to forum

Date: 07.03.2014
From: Evie

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Rhona,

I have psoriatic arthritis and do attend hospital every 6 months or the doctor whenever there's a flare up. When I wrote the original post I was rather upset but now I have started taking my medication again and had a good old cry. A few friends I grew up with and are still close with today know and understand but it's nice to know there's these sort of forums :) my boyfriend has been really understanding which is so helpful as sometimes I just shut off. I have only just gained back my freedom, being able to work and drive again and I'm scared that will be taken from me if it gets worse. Thank you for time in replying I very much appreciate it x
reply | back to forum

Date: 07.03.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Evie, welcome to the forum. You sound like a very strong young Lady. Great to hear you havenot been held back at all. Good Luck with the Dissertation.
I also shut off when my pain is bad I have had OA since my thirties. I just think it is a coping mechanism. Most people have their own way of coping we are all different and what ever helps us is ok.
Try not to worry about the future take each day at a time and it will all take care of its self. Worrying never helped anything I have learned that.
Just carry on as you are and you will be just fine. Take care and Chin up. XX
reply | back to forum

Date: 07.03.2014
From: Evie

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Marlene, thank you so much! Just having been on here a day has already helped me emotionally feel better.
I found it was so easy just to shut off rather than talk about it, even to doctors I wouldn't talk.
Like you said, each day at a time is the best approach and I'm trying to think positive. I had about a 5 year break pain free so having it come back again was a shock.
Thank you for your post and kind words, everyone here is so lovely. Hope you are well and pain free xx
reply | back to forum

Date: 10.03.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Evie, so glad the forum is helpful. We are always here to listen and even if its only a few short words it helps. We all have pain on this forum and it helps to know you will never be judge even when I post a full on moan LOL.
I am doing fine and I hope you are also.
Take care xx
reply | back to forum

Date: 15.03.2014
From: Bonny

Subject: Re: Young person with arthritis

Hi Evie,
This is my first time on the site. I am 21 years old as well and have one year left at my University. I'm about to graduate with an engineering degree, but for a long time I wasn't sure if I'd make it through college.
I was diagnosed with RA when I was 15. My condition became very severe about 2 years ago and I have been flaring up and taking steroids on top of my treatment since then. It has been the hardest two years of my life. I had to take time off of school. I thought about dropping out... But I realized that what I had to do was to come to terms with my condition. I had to accept the fact that I couldn't do what I used to be able to do, like play sports or party as much as my friends do. I started to explain my situation to professors and friends; I gave up certain foods (turns out eggs drove my joints crazy); and tried alternative medicine. In the past two months, my stress has decreased so much! I'd suggest trying acupuncture or another form of meditation to make relaxing part of your daily routine. I understand how hard that can be as a college student! Good luck & remember you aren't alone :)
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

2+3=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board