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.”
Emily Grusky is 17 and a senior in high school. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) when she was 15 years old. Her symptoms began as joint pain that would come and go in her shoulders, elbows and knees. She was having a significant amount of morning stiffness in her fingers, hands and feet. After going to the doctor and undergoing blood tests, Emily was diagnosed with JRA.
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!”
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!”
