Friday, April 25, 2008

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"

4 comments:

Robyn said...

Allison,

I took my first visit to a Rhuemetologist yesterday. I'm being tested for many things, but there's a good chance it's either Rhuemetoid Arthritis or Lyme disease. Either way, I feel your pain. Well, not your pain... my pain... but I'm getting a little glimpse into your world! I continue to pray for you lots.

Love,
Robyn

Robyn said...

Allison,

I took my first visit to a Rhuemetologist yesterday. I'm being tested for many things, but there's a good chance it's either Rhuemetoid Arthritis or Lyme disease. Either way, I feel your pain. Well, not your pain... my pain... but I'm getting a little glimpse into your world! I continue to pray for you lots.

Love,
Robyn

Alicia said...

Allison,

I thought that the vanilla was beter
then the banana it depends on if you
want the bad taste first or last. I am done with all my tests now and will just get surgery. Hope you get better soon too.

Hope to see you at Sunday school.

Love,
Aspen

SuperSweetSoftballBabe said...

Hey allison!!! its nicole?
Hows it going babe? hope u are feeling ok. Well i have an email now so if you wanna email me anytime just give me a call or have mitch text me and ill get you my email address ☺
heart ya tonz!!!
♥♥♥♥♥Nic