Jennifer Vido, 40

At the age of eight, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Even as a child, I realized that my life, as I knew it, would never be the same.   In my adult years, I have come to understand how my disease has become an integral part of the person I am today.

Like any typical child, I dreaded taking my medicine; however, I managed to chew my 16 aspirin a day without a grimace.  In the back of my mind, I knew that these horrible tasting pills would enable me to keep up with my two brothers, a task I was determined to achieve.  Throughout my childhood there were a series of obstacles to overcome—from cheerleading tryouts to missing school due to doctors’ appointments.  With time, I came to realize that my arthritis was just an obstacle to navigate around and I determinedly found the way in which to do it.

In 1991, I married my college sweetheart and five years later, I gave birth to our first son.  As is typical in my life, I embraced motherhood, created a moms’ group, and participated in an adult ballet class.  My arthritis was under control and life was good.  In April of 2000, we got the joyous news that I was pregnant again.  Unlike the first time, my joints were just not capable of handling the added weight. In December, I gave birth to our second son and four months later, I had a total hip replacement on my right hip. Nothing anyone could have said or done would have prepared me for this turn of events.

Initially, I saw this surgery as a setback, as if my arthritis had finally won. Luckily, the fighter in me quickly took hold and I decided to turn this rather unfortunate situation into a positive experience. I knew in my heart that the game wasn’t over.  Quite simply, the rules had just changed. With "bionic parts" I knew I was now better able to be a loving wife and a super mom because I no longer was in pain.  I completed my rehabilitation and slowly my life returned back to normal.  In 2007, an unforeseen hip revision was needed but unlike the first go-around, I knew that it was only a minor bump in the road.  And, I am happy to report that the surgery was a complete success.

Currently, I am a national trainer for the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic and Land Exercise Programs as well as the chairperson for the local Arthritis Walk.  One thing I know for sure is that exercise has been a key component in maintaining the range of motion in my joints. Through water therapy, simple yoga stretches and golf, I have been able to enjoy a healthy lifestyle that enables me to meet the daily challenges that a person with a chronic disease faces each and every day.

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