The following story was submitted to Dr. Christo. We want to thank Barbara for sharing her journey with us.
I was diagnosed at 15 with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was in high school, and while it was difficult, I finished school thanks to a teacher. I had good days, bad days and worse; my JRA was really aggressive. 6 months after my diagnosis, I needed a hip replacement. I was 17 at the time and didn’t want to. So, my mom and my dad went with me to all of my doctor visits and we did as they recommended.
At age 24, I entered university to get my accounting degree. After graduation, I got both my hips replaced. 5 years later I took a biological med, and I went into a coma for a year. They gave me only 3 days to 3 weeks to live. They didn’t know my mom. She was there for me every day and I woke up!!!
3 years later I had a knee replacement, and then the other. I went to therapy and they taught me how to walk. After 22 years, I’m walking, cooking, and baking! Sadly my mom passed away, but I know, she’s watching me, and taking care.
That’s my history,
Barbara L.
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