The diagnosis came in at ages 4 and 9. Our daughter liked jumping off the couch and being a spirited little girl. It all came to somewhat of a halt when a swollen ankle was diagnosed as Juvenile Arthritis. My heart sank that day. Thinking she won't live a normal life was just one of the thoughts that entered my mind. Arthritis is hidden a lot of the time and so when she is tired because of the pain not a lot of people believe her. We also hear "but that is an old peoples disease". Sometimes she feels like an d person.
Our son is such a sweet caring guy always being careful not to hurt feelings. Stomach aches and nasty BMs were what triggered us to think something was not right. His diagnosis of UC (ulcerative colitis) was another heart sinking moment. What comes to mind are all the terrible stories of people who have this. He also gets tired easier when he as a flare and no one can again see his invisible disease.
Many people have invisible diseases so I just ask that people be kind and not judge people because unless you ask them about their lives you would have no idea as to how or why they feel the way they do.
My children are who they are because of these diseases and I would not change them. I just pray that people will take the time to be kind.
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