Hey -- Thanks for clicking on me!  I'm so glad you're interested in the Arthritis Introspective web site and hope you become involved in our group.  I can promise you this, you'll never find another group like this one!!!  We may have arthritis, but don't let that fool you!  We're an energetic group from every corner of this great country!  You're sure to find someone within our group who you'll click with; as long as you have an open mind, we guarantee to make you laugh! 

I met most of the people shown on this site when I attended an arthritis young adult conference back in 1999.  Meeting them changed my life in ways I cannot explain.  I've often said, "Next to the birth of my son, attending that conference was the most life altering experience of my life".  I know that sounds extreme, but it's the truth!

When I was 21 y.o., doctors diagnosed me as having a rare and "extremely aggressive" form of rheumatoid arthritis.  At first the diagnosis didn't matter to me because like so many people, I thought arthritis was an old persons disease.  Within a short time, I found myself in the operating room on a regular basis.  Now, 22 years into this disease, I've had 31 operations and still counting.  I've had 12 total joint replacements and multiple reconstructions and fusions.  In addition to surgery, I've dealt with the ups and downs of medical treatments and side effects.  During the first twelve years of dealing with this disease, I didn't know of any other young adults who had it.  Meeting people who truly understood what my daily pain (both physically and mentally) was like, gave me hope and strength.

Because of the support and inspiration I've gained from my arthritis Buds, it's my underlining passion to reach out to others to let them know, they are not alone!  I hope we can help you to feel positive about yourself and can add you to our memories!  Feel free to e-mail me with questions and/or concerns.