JRA affects children under age 16. In some cases, the condition begins suddenly, causing joint swelling, stiffness and sometimes reduced range of motion. Some children may experience problems for only a few months; others, like McPherson, have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for life.
McPherson, who suffered from severe pain and stiffness, was hospitalized for three months and home-schooled for the rest of sixth grade, as she learned how to walk again.
"It took a few days before the initial flare-up got under control," McPherson says. "The whole 11-1/2 months afterward was pretty painful, but the first 5-1/2 months was the worst until they got me on the right prescription drugs to help the pain."
Still unable to participate in softball and basketball, her dad would carry her to a local golf course so she could ride in the golf cart and watch him play, McPherson recalls.
McPherson then started playing golf seriously her freshman year in high school.
"I had played golf since I was 8, but played other sports too," she says. "Golf was my least favorite of all the sports – but after getting RA, it was the easiest on my body and I discovered a great passion for the game."
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