JIA Awareness Week

This year the JIA Awareness Week is looking at the common misconceptions people have of JIA. I am wanting to know what are the most common comments you get from people when you say my child or I have JIA. The most common for me even from when I was a child is 'My gran has arthritis' and 'everyone has achy joints'. Please let me know and we can put the facts out there during JIA Awareness Week 3rd to 7th July. Thanks

[clairem87]

My son is 15 now and was diagnosed when he was 1. People don’t understand this disease including school they think it’s just aching joints but what about the fatigue, the pain, hospital appointments, mental health, making friend and keeping them because they don’t understand the effort it takes to get up and go out some days!

[Hidden in reply to clairem87]

Thank you for your reply. Completely agree to everything you have said. It certainly isn't just aching joints. I hope your son is doing ok and you as well. As parents we always seem to forget ourselves (I def do!)

[clairem87 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you my son is doing well so far but is been a long hard struggle. I’m doing ok too just hard some days when you feel like you’re fighting a loosing battle to get help and support. I am also now being checked to see if I have an inflammatory condition like my son which has been a long time coming!

You guys at nras have been a life saver over the years with your website and information. You do such a fab job.

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for your lovely words. We are always here to support you through this, there is no handbook and everyone is different. Please do let us know how you get on. Take care