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JIA v. RA: Key Differences

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When we think about arthritis, it’s usually in the context of adults. But what happens when kids are affected? If you’ve heard about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), you might be wondering how it differs from what adults experience. Let’s dive into the world of JIA, how it compares to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and what you need to know about managing joint pain in children.

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that affects children under 16. Unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is typically an adult condition, JIA presents some unique challenges and characteristics. The term “idiopathic” in JIA means that we don’t have a clear understanding of what causes it. However, we do know that it involves inflammation in the joints, which is why it’s grouped under autoimmune conditions.

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Sjogren’s is More Than Just Dry Eyes

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Many people think Sjogren’s is just about dry eyes and mouth, but there’s so much more to it. Understanding how it can impact almost every system in the body is the first step to getting comprehensive care. 

Sjogren’s Disease 101

First off, what is Sjogren’s disease? I like to think of it as a cousin to lupus. Both are systemic autoimmune conditions, meaning they can affect multiple parts of your body because your immune system has gone a bit haywire and started attacking your own tissues.

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Facing Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

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If you’ve been diagnosed with more than one autoimmune disease, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle it all. Trust me, you’re not alone in this.

You’re Not Alone in the Autoimmune Journey

First things first, if you’re facing more than one autoimmune condition, you’re definitely not alone. Finding out you have an autoimmune disease is isolating enough, and getting more than one diagnosis can feel like the universe is playing a cruel joke. But here’s a comforting fact: it’s actually pretty common to have multiple autoimmune conditions.

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Getting Off Prednisone the Right Way

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Prednisone can be a lifesaver, but it’s also a bit of a necessary evil. Let’s talk about how to taper off this medication without wreaking havoc on your body.

What is Prednisone and Why Do We Use It?

Prednisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone made by our adrenal glands that’s vital for every system in our body, including regulating inflammation. In rheumatology, prednisone is a go-to because it’s about 3-5 times stronger than our natural cortisol. It’s used to quickly bring down inflammation in various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, vasculitis, and PMR. If you’ve ever flared up, chances are you’ve been prescribed prednisone to get things under control fast.

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Filing Disability with an Autoimmune Disease

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Getting an autoimmune diagnosis is life-changing in almost every way. Your future can go from looking clear and bright to fuzzy and dark. Not only do patients have to navigate new symptoms, frequent doctor’s visits and test but they also have to figure out if and how they will continue to work. Deciding to apply for disability is never an easy decision and the process doesn’t help!

When to Consider Disability

Most of the time, the question of disability comes up when people are first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease like RA or Lupus. When you’re first diagnosed, you’re often feeling quite ill because you’re not yet on any treatment. Things can get clearer once you know what you’re dealing with and have a treatment plan, but very few treatments work overnight as it can take months for inflammation to calm down. 

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