#4 has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
We saw a nationally recognized expert this morning. She was kind and knowledgeable. Unlike all the other doctors we have seen up to this point, she knew what was going on the moment she saw our girl.
"She has a sausage toe," she said. Then, turning to her medical student, she pronounced, "That's classic of psoriatic arthritis." I liked her no nonsense style. She wasn't overly blunt, but she didn't try to soften anything either. (I find that reassuring.) She also showed us that it had spread from 2 joints to 4. (Darn it.)
#4 is going to need a weekly injection to try and manage her disease. (There is not a cure, only management.) Someone is going to have to give her that shot here at home. (One, two, three..NOT IT!)
That's it for today. Through the grace of God, she was able to be seen a week early by the most knowledgeable person who could see her. There is a plan. It's not a fun plan, but it is a plan. Hopefully within three weeks, it should begin to work.
13 comments:
I am relieved you have an answer and are in the best hands. Praying now for an excellent outcome.
We will pray now for the pain management to be effective quickly and as pain free as possible.
I'm sorry this is not the answer that you wanted but at least now you have a plan. I will be praying for your daughter. (And for you.)
So sorry to hear...one of my former students was diagnosed with Juvenile arthritis when she was about 4 years old. She is graduating high school this year...rides horses, acts in the drama club and is a counselor at a camp that she attended for years specifically for JRA sufferers. With Faith, there is hope :)
I will keep her (and you all) in my prayers.
BTW: we are in the Philadelphia area, but I am sure there are support groups everywhere...make sure she knows she is not alone!
Pax Christi!
So glad you were able to get in early and can now begin treatment! I'll continue to pray for your family.
I've had JRA since I was 2. I honestly could say so much about this that I have no idea what to say now. If there was any way I could get rid of it, I would (my dream is to go to Lourdes), but I would never take back how thankful I am for the lessons having it has taught me. It's so good that you can treat early, I was treated early, and treated well, and my doctor told me that he is amazed at how I have barely any damage in my bones and joints after over 20 years. If my guess is correct, you're treating her with one of the TNF blockers, and that is a fantastic route. I pray God blesses you in this difficult journey.
And also, some of the arthritis medicine shots now come in fancy dispensers where you don't ever have to see the needle at all, but just press a little button (similar to the kind of thing diabetics prick their finger with)! So there is hope, even there!
I'm so sorry.
Hugs, my friend, to you and your spunky #4.
I have gout (I know it's not the same) but for swelling and pain relief there is a really good ointment at nativewild.com. And no, I am in no way affiliated with them, found it by accident. God bless you with strength,
Eva
I'm happy you have an answer, but so, so sorry you had to learn that your daughter has a life long condition that will require treatment. Tears welled up when I read this.
But children are so strong. She will do great and so will you!!!
You and your sweet one have been in my prayers and will stay there.
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