Pinning Down Specific Type of Arthritis Can Take Time

When I was first diagnosed with arthritis, I was 19 years old. My family doctor referred me to a rheumatologist whose job it was to confirm my diagnosis and determine what type of arthritis I had. At that tender age, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was suspected but ankylosing spondylitis was considered too. In the end, adult rheumatoid arthritis became my "official" diagnosis.

It was confusing to me, as well as my parents, why it wasn't just being called "arthritis". There are subtle differences between some of the types of arthritis. If you learn about the symptoms and treatments it becomes much easier to follow along with your doctor. As a teenager, I started learning quickly about arthritis. Nearly 35 years later, I'm still learning.

Related Resources:

• Test Your Knowledge - Types of Arthritis and Rheumatic Conditions
• Juvenile Arthritis - Arthritis Is A Children's Disease Too
• Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fast Facts About Ankylosing Spondylitis

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Marcin Balcerzak (iStockphoto)}