Kristina, 21, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis [Audio]

I had a fun interview with my friend Kristina from Calgary, Alberta. Kristina opened up about her experiences dealing with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): both the highs and lows. I hope you enjoy the interview!

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Timestamps

• 0:43 – Introducing Kristina, 21, Psychology & Biomedical Science Student
• 1:17 – Introducing Kristina’s Disability: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (aka Childhood Arthritis)
• 3:19 – Kristina’s Challenges: Dealing With Flare-ups, Pain and Inflammation
• 4:17 – Kristina’s Challenges: Uncertainty During Childhood, Missing School
• 5:20 – Kristina’s Challenges: Moving From The Child To Adult Arthritis Clinic
• 6:04 – Kristina’s Challenges: Side Effects From Pain Medication
• 7:27 – Kristina’s Lesson: Use Humour As A Coping Mechanism
• 8:10 – Kristina’s Lesson: Taking Care Of Your Physical Health Is Part Of Taking Care Of Your Mental Health
• 9:07 – What Others Should Know: Kids Can Get Arthritis Too
• 9:47 – Kristina’s Advice For Kids With Arthritis: Find Camps For Kids With Arthritis
• 10:04 – Kristina’s Advice For Kids With Arthritis: Find Someone You Relate To So You Don’t Feel Alone
• 10:58 – Kristina’s Advice For Kids With Arthritis: Start Your Own Support Group If There Isn’t Any Support Groups Nearby
• 11:17 – Kristina’s Advice For Parents: Find Support Groups Too
• 11:35 – Kristina’s Advice To Her Younger Self: Reassure Her Mom That Everything Would Be Okay
• 12:17 – Final Remarks