Emily’s Story
“It is important to me that people know not every disease is visible,” says Emily. “I may look healthy, but I can be having a flare up and be feeling lousy on the inside.”
Having arthritis has affected Emily’s life in many ways. The fatigue that comes with arthritis can be debilitating at times. The medication she needs to stay healthy and prevent joint damage has caused gastrointestinal side effects. When the stiffness is exacerbated in her hands, it can affect her ability to be active and play tennis on her high school team.
“It is important to me that people know not every disease is visible,” says Emily. “I may look healthy, but I can be having a flare up and be feeling lousy on the inside. I hope one day we can find a cure for arthritis!”