
This special edition of Facing Forward shares the stories of the
individuals involved in the Arthritis
Foundation’s 15th Annual California Coast Classic – a
525 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Name: Mia (Team
Sluggy)
Hometown: Boulder
Creek, CA
Diagnosis: enthesitis-related
juvenile arthritis
Age at Diagnosis: 6
Current Age: 12
How is your family
involved with the California Coast Classic?
My parents have ridden the CCC to support me and other kids
with arthritis for the last three years. They weren’t able to ride this year,
but my mom still volunteere to help.
How are you currently
treating your condition?
My arthritis is treated by Humira the injection and
methotrexate pills. I do also use ibuprofen when I am in pain.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced since your diagnosis?
The biggest challenges I have faced since my diagnosis are
the pain and not being able to participate in some activities. It makes me very
sad when my friends are out running when I can’t. Another thing that was also
hard was the cortisone shots I used to have to get when I was younger. I would
be wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair crying because it hurt so bad.
What are your
favorite tips and tricks for managing everyday tasks?
My favorite tips are to stop when I need to, because I tend
to try and ignore my pain because I don’t want to tell anyone. I also enjoy
tips from my friends with arthritis, like what helps take away the sting of the
shot. I manage everyday tasks by resting when I need to and taking medicine
when I need to. It also helps to have support from my friends.
If you could go back
to diagnosis day and tell your past self one thing, what would it be?
If
I could go back to diagnosis day and tell myself one thing, it would be that it
will all turn out OK. That I am doing better and that I shouldn’t worry about
not being able to walk because I can do that. I am currently on the school
basketball team and I enjoy it very much. Sometimes I am sore and it is hard,
but I work through it and it is so fun to play! Today my ankle was swollen and
sore, but it got better and I still played. I encourage kids with arthritis to
join team sports. They are fun and great exercise. Swimming is great for
arthritis and it is cool during these hot days.
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