| "(April 25, 2007) ? As a toddler with constant joint pain and swelling, fevers and fatigue, I was continually misdiagnosed with "growing pains." It was the early '60s and arthritis was considered an "old person's" disease. By the time a correct diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made between ages 5 and 7, the disease had caused severe joint damage, including deformities of my hands, feet and legs. " "Because this is an autoimmune disease, my whole body is affected. The ebb and flow of flares is unpredictable so I never know day to day how I'm going to feel, which makes it difficult to plan anything. " "What makes it even harder for people is that I appear healthy and never look sick. They get confused and expect more than I can give. It's a continual educational process. " "Having physical disabilities, coupled with orthopedic surgeries and powerful immunological drugs, my time and activities have to be managed and prioritized on a daily basis so I can cope with everyday life, and just as important, feel like I'm part of society. " "That means on a good day I will meet a friend for lunch, run an errand and cook dinner. A bad day will find me suffering extreme fatigue and pain, quietly resting. " "With the progressive nature of RA, I can no longer work. Not having a career is my biggest loss of self-esteem. Losing my independence is my biggest fear. Loneliness and depression are also side effects, but no one sees them for they are hidden behind my smile. " "How do I cope? I don't think of it in terms of coping because it's part of me. It's my life; I have to live with it; it's me. I have to balance between what's right for my body and what's right for my life. " "RA took my childhood, body and livelihood. But it's given me an incredible sense of strength and compassion." "Kimberly Koenig, 47, lives in Henrietta. She is an educator and support group leader for the Arthritis Foundation
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