I was 50 but I know children with RA and have friends who were a juvenile onset. The bad news is that you have to deal with this so young but the good news is this is a great supportive site and the drugs just seem to be getting better with even more in the pipeline. See a good rheumatologist as soon as you can and get started on an effective treatment. It may take some experimenting, but it can be a huge help.

Lynne

Had symptoms at 21, diagnosed at 24, am now 56. It did go into remission for a long time, has flared the last 8 years. The new meds are awesome, and there is now a lot more hope than there used to be, so hang in there kiddo! I'm still active, horse therapy was a lifesaver.

hello there

i had RA when i was 20 now im 31 ,about my stiffness it started at night almost 4am till 1 pm thats why i dont sleep at night at all i found sleeping at night will cause me alot of pain when i woke up ??? i got so tired because of that but its the best way to avoid the stiffness do i have any choices!!!!!!

I was diagnosed at 26, now 36. First 5 years was come and go. Even sometimes remission with no symptoms for months at a time! Oh I loved those days! Now and for the past 5 years I've been in pain every day. It's not something nice to "get used to". I have tried to avoid serious drugs, but can't go on anymore. I am broken. I will give in to the evil world of pharmaceutical cautions next week. My choices have ran out.

Definitely see a rheumatologist, if you haven't already. Especially, with your family history.
Stretching is good and helps maintain mobility! Keep up on your yoga!

I'm 32 and have had symptoms for at least two years. We are still working on a definitive diagnosis, but you've found a great place here!

The doctor who did my initial work up was very positive about all of the new meds that have come out in the last ten years or so.

So sorry you have to deal with this at your age! When I was twenty I treated my body like it was invincible. If I could go back in time and savor those moments!

You will need to persevere and not take no for an answer, until you have a definite answer and are feeling better!
Good lluck!

I was diagnosed at age 6 and am now 31. Hope you get some answers soon.

I started symptoms around age 8 and was diagnosed with JRA at 9 y/o. I'm 31 and of course still battling this disease.

I went into remission at 16 y/o, it came back mildly when I was 21 y/o and then after having my daughter, it has become severe and it took over 2 years to find the right meds for me. Good luck to you.