Doctor Visit Thursday

Yesterday we went to Portland to visit Dr. Borzy(Pediatric Rheumatologist). Her appointment went well but there have been some changes in her condition. Upon examination it was discovered she has some fluid on her knees. There is no active arthritis presently working. Her hands, wrists and fingers are a concern and may have some active arthritis especially since they have been swollen, red and yesterday they were tender and a bit puffy. So, Allison has to do exercises 3 times a day to keep her range of movement in her knees, hands, wrists and fingers. This will be very important to prevent permanent joint damage and to keep her range of motion in those joints. She will also be going on a new medication called Methotrexate once a week orally. You may have heard of this medication as it is a chemo drug commonly used for cancer patients. Allison will be taking a very low dosage. The side effects we are to look for are her feeling "yucky" for two days after taking the medication and for mouth sores. We are going to give her the med. on the weekend so hopefully it will not impact her going to school and then if she has mouth sores the dr. will put her on folic acid and that will clear them right up. This medication will not do anything for her fever or rash but should help with swelling and pain in her joints. We still just wait for the fever and rash to run it's course, whenever that might be.

Some very good news was Allison gained 2 pounds!!!!!!! We were all so excited. Dr. Borzy was very thrilled so we did not have to look at her having to take predisone. HURRAY!!!! It is very important that she keep her weight up and something we have to continue to focus on.

Sadly for Allison she did have to have a blood work done. She was not thrilled at all since it has been awhile since she has been poked. She did great although the site was quite sore afterwards. We made a trip to the bookstore, candy shop and then went to PF Changs for dinner. So, I think that helped to make up for some of the pain. :)

Thanks for reading and supporting Allison and our family
Leslie "The Mom"