GROWING UP WITH CHILDHOOD Arthritis Carissa L. Strohecker Hannum

Carissa L. Strohecker Hannum is a practicing psychotherapist who helps others that live with chronic pain, chronic illness, trauma, eating disorders, and mood disorders.

She was diagnosed and has been living with Arthritis since she was 15 months old, you are right juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in the 90s when there wasn’t a ton of research on what to expect)

Doctors told her that “it would get better and go into remission and there was a chance it would progress.” But in her case, it progressed and changed. She has now been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis which affects her spine, ligaments, and tendons in her pelvis. But in spite of innumerable challenges, she is married and is looking forward to developing a family.

CHALLENGES FACED AS A CHILD AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL

This is tough. Living with arthritis means living with an invisible illness. People will see the kid as entirely normal, which sometimes they might prefer. Other than seeing modified shoes, kids wouldn’t have any idea that I was different unless I would discuss it. I think that was really hard.

If I was out sick or even in high school, when and had to get an infusion, it can make a child feel very different or that they have to grow up fast compared to their peers. I think that is a natural reality that will happen. I found a lot of comfort in finding support groups and engaging in activities provided by our hospital for kids with arthritis. I felt very heard and understood.

Carrisa Believes In Overcoming Everyday Challenges, She Says