Nine months ago, my life changed. Enormously. My then bubbly, cheeky, active three-year old was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. (I blogged about it here.)
Back then, I didn’t know JRA existed. Today, I know a whole lot more…and my bubbly, cheeky, active four-year old girl still has JRA with the added dangerous complication of Uveitis (inflammation in her eyes.)
The last nine months of our journey have been so many things: emotional, challenging, time-intensive, educational, magical, all encompassing, full of gifts, full of sadness, full of growth.
In part, due to my belief in alternative as well as Western medicine, we now have a team of people working for my little girl. We have a rheumatologist, an ophthalmologist, a functional doctor, a kinesiologist/homeopath, an osteopath and a pharmacist at Boots with whom I am now on a first-name basis. All of the teachers at school support us and help me to give her her meds when needed. Friends and almost-strangers have sent me their encouragement, support and advice via Facebook. For all of this, I am grateful.
I have learned so much…about the immune system, about food, about supplements. I now cook regularly with coconut products that I never previously knew existed. And because my daughter eats no wheat (along with a slew of other things), my own diet has changed for the better.
I had hoped, as every mother would, that our journey with JRA would be a simple one. Some children with this disease do heal and end up in remission. I had hoped that, through alternative medicine and lots of dietary care, this would be our story. It may still be. But I now find myself having to strongly consider starting my daughter on Methotrexate, a serious drug with serious side effects. This is not an easy decision. There are no easy answers.
Nine months ago, rather naively, I wrote:
1. In everything, there is always a gift.
2. Ask for help. It will arrive…somehow.
3. Trust. And believe. Always for the best.
I still believe these three things are true. But perhaps I might add a fourth….
4. Embrace your challenges. Make friends with them. In thanking them, you will find a way through.
I will let you know when we do.
Thankfully you found a support system for your little girl! I hope she ends up in remission so she doesn’t have to experience that much pain.
Love to you two!
And always keep your head up, especially when hard times roll around. I wish I could give you a big warm hug.
Sandra, I think, with your comment, you just did. Thanks for the hug and all the encouragement.
I’m not exactly sure what to say. I’m so sorry that your daughter is plagued with this. I’m sorry you both have to take this journey. Yet in every bad experience I believe we have to find a lesson so we can grow in some manner and move forward. Perhaps it is for you to share information about JRA through your blog to help another family who may just be experiencing this and feeling overwhelmed and naive. I don’t know. The lesson is something we each have to decide for ourselves. But I hope for you and your daughter that no matter what she is pain free and as comfortable as possible.
Hi Liz,
Yes, I also believe that there are lessons and gifts in each journey…no matter how hard. I have been wondering if I should share more about the specifics of our JRA. Your comment is the impetus I was looking for….stay tuned and…thanks!
I found you in 52 weeks of Now You and reading this hit me big time. Wow, so much for you mama but in all of it my favorite part are your bits of advice your positive attitude. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Tracie,
Thanks so much!…I’m intrigued by the name of your blog!! Hopping over now.
I remember reading your first post about your daughter’s diagnosis. You are so brave – meeting the challenges with a sense of gratitude. I wish you well..and all the best for what’s to come.