Arthritis and Age Discrimination

[dustybrown]

I would like to know if there are people out there who found it difficult to get the proper care for their arthritis because of their young age? In my case it took many years for my doctor to properly diagnose that there was something wrong with me even though I had been complaining of severe pain ever since I was 17 years old (I am now 33). It's been a battle to get care and I think it's because I am not a 60 year old person. Every time a new doctor gets a look at a new MRI or an X-Ray there is a blank look of surprise and a "we didn't expect to see this in someone so young." I still don't feel I get the proper care. Am I the only one out there with this problem???

[frustratedknowmore]

I feel your pain and frustration, being 38 has been a curse with the so-called specialists in my area(Podiatrist, Rheumy, Spine Docs in my case).I had my first gout attack at 22, then a recurrence 2 yrs ago- then my spine went down as well.I have severe DDD in my L5/S1 as well as stenosis, gout in both feet as well as bunion on left foot.On top of all this type 2 diabetes, bipolar 2 and panic disorder.The rheumatologist ignored my pleas that my pain was so wide spread and basically said it was in my head??? I have x-rays and MRI's that prove my pain is real and a family history of a spinal defect in my sacral joint as well.Not to mention getting pain relief has been an uphill battle that adds more stress to a bad situation.Just try to stay positive, keep journals and advocate for yourself diligently in a professional manner.Emotions can get the best of us sometimes.

[Sandra137]

i feel very sad whenever i heard some young people have arthritis. But i think its also depends on our genes or some factors that are hidden from the science/doctors visions. I have arthritis i was diagnosed at the age of 21. Now i am 23yrs old. I hope one day there would be some miracle that will ease the pain and discomfort that we have. Good Luck

[grendslori]

My daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was 5 years old......from a photograph! It took two years before they finally diagnosed it in her. People are really surprised to hear that children can have arthritis so why it is so surprising that a 30+ year old can have it is beyond me!

[1cross+3nails=4given]

When I worked at my mom's deli-n-diner, people would always ask me, "why are you limping?" or "why do you walk so slow?" When I would tell then I had arthritis, (didn't know I had RA at the time but did know that I had OA) they would laugh & tell me I'm too young. I was 30 then & will be 32 in November. This was mostly the older folks who are in their 70's & 80's. Getting the RA dx meant so much & explained so much although I still have tons of questions.

[txsilver]

You have probably heard that docs are trained to look for horses if they hear hoof beats, not zebras.  Many of the folks here are zebras.  That makes getting a diagnosis harder and also means you are regularly greeted with suprise by new docs.  It certainly can make things tougher.  Being your own advocate will get you through.  

[ChitChatNine]

When my teens were younger we had an awesome Pediatric Rheumatologist.  But many yrs ago they were few and far inbetween.