My JDM diagnosis was confirmed in 1991 just after my 11th birthday. It took me a couple of long years before I was off medication and back to being a normal, healthy kid again. By the time I was in high school my peers had forgotten that I was the "cabbage patch girl" they teased in the halls. While in high school I participated in speech competitions, sharing my experiences with JDM.
About 13 years later (in 2004) a round with kidney stones triggered a flare. A few things have changed since I was first diagnosed; new medications and invaluable resources like Cure JM. This time around I've been on IVIg, methotrexate and have participated in the RIM study. I'm still on meds but doing well.