‘I’ve lived with JIA since I was four… It’s taught me about strength and balance’
Living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) for over 20 years has meant Georgia’s life has been shaped around her diagnosis.
Speaking to the Wren Project about her personal journey, Georgia said the effects of being diagnosed at just four years old has meant she has learned to adapt to changes in circumstances from a young age.
“I was diagnosed with JIA at the age of four, after experiencing persistent swelling and pain in my knee joint,” she told us. “The symptoms often left me unable to walk or take part in activities.
“For the first eight years, I managed my condition with various medications until I went into remission at 12. For several years after that my symptoms were minimal, but at 19 - during my first year of university - I had a major flare up.
“This reintroduction to arthritis affected my ability to keep up with a full social life, new routine and coursework.”
Georgia said one of the most challenging aspects of living with JIA, which causes inflammation in one or more of your joints, is how to cope with reduced mobility, pain and the challenging periods of flare ups.
“The unpredictability of JIA has been one of the biggest challenges,” she said. “From a young age, I have had to adapt to periods of reduced mobility, pain and fatigue.
“When I think about it, my whole life has been shaped around this disease - not always in a positive way.”
Last year at the age of 27, Georgia experienced another severe flare up that left her temporarily unable to walk.
“The unpredictability of my condition over the past eight months has meant sacrificing many things I enjoy and putting many aspects of life on hold,” she said.
“[It’s affected] my mobility, social life, relationships, and work, and it has required me to make significant adjustments to my daily activities. Fortunately, I'm a strong advocate for the healthy lifestyle - including a colourful balanced diet and regular exercise - that helps me manage my condition.
“But this year I have [also] learnt to accept change and understand that everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not immediately clear. “[It’s also] taught me patience, resilience and how to advocate for myself when I need help," she explained.
Georgia came across the Wren Project while looking for support to help her “navigate the emotional, physical, and social impact of living with arthritis as a 27-year-old in London.”
Sharing her experience of listening support and how it has helped her, she said: “The sessions have provided a safe space to share my experiences and emotions, which have been both comforting and empowering.
“Since the flare up, I’ve had so many changes come my way and [my volunteer] has given me greater strength and perspective. [It’s] been the best support I could ask for.”
Thinking of others dealing with the physical and emotional impact of a JIA diagnosis, Georgia said it helps to remember that “an autoimmune disease is a journey, not a sprint.”
“It’s a big change and it takes time to adjust,” she shared. “It’s OK to feel overwhelmed. Take things one day at a time and learn as much as you can about your condition.
“Explore different treatment options, whether medical or holistic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build a strong support network, whether through family, friends, or organisations like the Wren Project.”
She concluded: “Above all, be kind to yourself. Remember that living with an autoimmune condition is a journey, not a sprint. It’s usually with you for the long haul!”
Georgia’s story is part of our #WrenVoices campaign, where our Wrens share their personal experience of life with autoimmune disease. Would you like to share your story in our Wren Voices campaign? Get in touch here.
Here at the Wren Project, we are here to support you. If you or someone you know could benefit from our free, one-to-one listening support sessions, please get in touch here for support.