“I was 17 when I was told by my hips would need replacing.”

01 April 2022
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My name is Dana. I’m from a rural village on the west coast of Scotland. I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at 13 after a year of hospital admissions.

I was at a summer camp, and I felt pain in my knees/hips. I remember telling the teachers I was too sore to get involved in the sporting activities, and by the middle of the week I was struggling to bend down to put my pants and socks on.

At the end of the week, they have a big ceilidh. I loved dancing and didn’t want to miss it. I walked into the village hall and collapsed in pain. My parents had to collect me and once home I was taken to the nearest hospital. This was the first of many hospital admissions.

“In my later teenage years, my arthritis got progressively worse.”

When I wasn’t doing well, my friends were AMAZING. My best friend Mark always made sure I didn’t miss youth clubs, cinema dates and social events.

I got a chair to sit down on for assemblies whilst everyone else had to stand or sit on the floor. We went on a London trip, and I got taxied around as my hips were bad. I was still learning what my condition meant to me.

Looking back, I can see it must have been so difficult for my parents and my siblings. I will be forever thankful to my family and friends for what they have done and do to continue to support me. I can be extremely stubborn (typical Taurus) even when I know I need help.

“I was 17 when I was told by my hips would need replacing.”

I started doing more research about what JIA was and what this would mean for my future. Living with JIA impacts on all parts of my life, including relationships, nutrition and pain management.

I had intense physiotherapy and hydrotherapy until I got my hips replaced when I was 18, then I went back in for rehabilitation. I won’t lie, it was quite depressing and scary. Most of the patients where 60 years+, living with worse conditions and different types of arthritis.

I did meet some young women and guys with arthritis. We would talk and exchange experiences, which was helpful. I’m still in touch with them now.

“It’s almost 12 years since I had my hips replaced.”

I was in a lot of pain from March 2018 and x-rays showed considerable damage in my shoulders and right elbow. I am now five weeks post elbow replacement.

My shoulders ache all day, it feels like they have lead weights on them. Some days I can’t raise my arm very high. Some days I can, but it's excruciating. Some days it just hurts a bit. Because my shoulders are inflamed and out of alignment everyday tasks become mammoth.

“Pain management will be different for everyone.”

What works for me to help manage my pain might not work for another person. Routine and having time to rest before and after events is essential to manage my pain and fatigue.

Having a chronic illness requires acknowledging that plans can potentially go in the bin if my symptoms flare up. It helps to have an Epsom bath every day, sometimes twice a day if I’m having a flare up.

I’ve been to sound baths, which I have found very relaxing, and I always sleep well after. I’ve tried acupuncture which I loved, it made me feel very sleepy and I would have a solid night’s sleep afterwards.

I think when you suffer with arthritis or any chronic illness it helps to be open-minded and see what works for you in terms of helping with pain or your mental health.

 

“I have three dogs. They are my absolute world!”

Even on bad days with my arthritis, my dogs need me and always get a morning and night-time walk. I love baking, reading, kayaking and open water swimming.

The cold water feels soothing on my swollen inflamed bones. I like to swim out into deep water, and whatever happened that day I like to leave it there. I love going away for spa days/nights with my best friend or sisters.

“Remember, you are not alone”

Young people are susceptible and suffer just as much from arthritis. It will help you to learn more about your situation, you can live a fulfilling life despite your disease. Knowledge is power.

I want to thank Versus Arthritis for giving me this chance to voice my experiences in the hope that it will comfort others. Remember, you are not alone. This has been like therapy for me and helping me know that this is my life but look at what I have come through!

Having three total joint replacements at 29 is not ideal! But I believe if I had the chance of having arthritis or not, I don’t think I would change how my life planned out. It has made me strong, resilient, and determined. I do hope that by sharing our stories, we raise more awareness and I pray for a cure one day.

Our services

If you or a family member under the age of 25 has arthritis, we run a Young People and Families service that provides information and support and puts on a range of events across the country.

Our service helps young people and children offers advice on how to live well with arthritis, medication and potential treatments, as well as creating a safe space to ask questions, receive information and develop support networks.

Find out more about our Young People and Families service. 

We’re here for you

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