I am sharing a true story about something that happened with Savannah this week. She was faced with the opportunity to help a three year old child who had recently been diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. The three year old girl is named Reese, and she is precious. However, like most other kids with JA, Reese's doctor said she had to start receiving weekly shots for her arthritis in order to keep it from progressing. But, how does one go about this?...How does one make a young child understand she has to be given shots in order to walk, or write, or just function as an average child? How does one prepare a young child for this? Truly, there is no simple answer. Yet, God worked through 10 year old Savannah to help Reese prepare and better understand about her shots and living with Juvenile Arthritis. Want to know how?!?
Savannah set up a stuffed animal hospital. You see, Reese came for a "play date" with Savannah where they took turns examining their stuffed animals, looking in their animal's ears with a light, checking their reflexes, using tongue depressors, the works. Savannah even showed Reese how the stuffed bear got a shot for her pain. Then, Savannah gave herself a shot to further show it was not such a big deal. Then, cool band-aids were distributed and even reward stickers! Reese looked at all of us and said very boldly, "I am ready to get my shot!" As Reese said goodbye, she took with her a gift from Savannah...A pink basket filled with the stuffed bear they practiced shots and medical treatment on, cool band-aids, and fairy reward stickers. The next day, the day Reese was scheduled to receive her first Methotrexate shot, she received the shot like a champ...well, after her dad gave her bear (the one Savannah gave her) 100 "pretend" shots...Reese's shot was number 101!
This post made me cry! What a beautiful thing for your daughter to do! My son is three as well and he just started his MTX injections..tonight was his second at home. It's a challenge but we pray that it will help him.
ReplyDeleteI hope this story helped. You and your son are not alone on this journey. I pray he sees improvement, too. The medicines have worked wonders on so many children. They have helped Savannah.
DeleteOur hopes for this blog is that it will help others, and also to let them know they are not alone on this journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny for sharing your stories. My daughter too was diagnosed with JIA in January 2012. We knew something was medically wrong but had been on a quest to find the answers. They had been running test after test then finally a flare up. The cbc was the answer....finally! I cried for you and your daughter at first, then I realized, hey...that's our story! I shared your blog on my fb wall because I too feel that people truly don't understand how they hurt and what our kids go through daily. Your little Savannah is AMAZING. I asked my daughter to look at your blog in hopes that she actually will. I am struggling with her accepting this as "her" illness as she refuses to give her own injections. I am hopeful that your little Savannah will be an inspiration to her...I know she is for me! Bless you both and many prayers.
DeleteThank you for your comment. It warms Savannah and my heart to know we might be helping others with something we know is challenging. Living with JIA is hard. Savannah is home from school, now, fighting a cold, because her body has a hard time fighting off sickness because of the JIA drugs. However, every day is a new day, and we try to look for the beautiful scenery along this bumpy road. It has been a process to get Savannah where she is at today. She has been angry, sad, anxious, scared, the whole roller coaster of emotions. BUT, she has also become much stronger and courageous along this journey. I have to tell you a funny story about the shots. Savannah was eight years old when she began Methotrexate shots. The first two, I did okay. The third shot, I was so nervous that I freaked her out because she said it looked like I was getting ready to perform target practice on her arm...like throwing a dart! She said, "I am taking over from here!" So, the reason for her doing her own shots...plainly, I scared her to death with my method of shot giving! Give your girl time...the courage and strength will come. Blessings to you. -Jenny
DeleteThank you for the laugh Jenny! I stopped giving my daughter her shots because I hurt her one time and I couldn't bare to do it again. Her father now does her shots (3 weekly now) and she complains he doesn't do it right. I keep hoping she will get fed up enough to try herself. I would love to chat on a more personal level in regards to treatments, similarities and experiences with our daughters JIA. We are relatively close. We live southeast of Nashville. Would you be opposed to emailing? I was thinking of starting a local support group if there is not already one here. It is so helpful during the down times of this disease to have others who share what we do and also a blessing to share the positives that lift up our spirits. Take Care and God Bless.
DeleteTrish,
DeleteMy email address is jennydnelson@hotmail.com. I would love to talk.
Please contact me there. I was born in Murfreesboro, TN and spent the first 20 years of my life in the Nashville area.
-Jenny
Hi Trish I have a daughter who is 14 and was recently diagnosed as well. How old is your child? We live in Lavergne. We are in the begging stages of treatment so far just prednisone and its been a tremendous help I've started a healthier diet and supplements fingers crossed these help. I feel the dairy and saturated fats have contributed to her inflammation, she is a teenager after all those are their favorite go to foods. Our next decision methotrexate or jaw joint injections neither sounds appealing and both seem to scary to subject a growing girl to, so I'm praying an searching for guidance :) I am happy to shre support!! Ill send you my email if you like ;)
DeleteAMAZING...LOVE THIS POST! I am going to post to our blog shortly!
ReplyDeleteNicole
www.lovelucianna.blogspot.com
Thank you, my friend. You and your daughter are an inspiration to me.
DeleteI love that story! Your daughter is awesome! My 8-year-old daughter has had JA since she was 2 1/2 and gets weekly methotrexate shots. It's still a struggle with her -- we use the Buzzy ice pack which helps.
ReplyDeleteTHank you for your comment. It means a lot. I hope your 8 year old is having better days!
Deletewow! i was diagnosed at 18 months and am now 24. i hope people read this blog and it gives them a little more understanding about what you have to go through. x
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. How are you doing at 24 years of age with your arthritis?
Deletei also was diagnosed when i was 18 months with j.r.a and now i am 36 yrs old im glad that there is alot more exposure and awareness now i went through alot and never really had anyone my age to talk to like the kids now have.
DeleteI have a 14 year old daughter Olivia, she also has JIA and has been on MTX and biologics for several years now!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love and Prayers to all.
Olivia's MOM
Thank you for viewing the blog and your comment. I hope Olivia is doing well.
DeleteJenny
ReplyDeleteYou and Savannah are such a blessing to little Reese. Thank you for everything!
Russ Bullard
Reese is precious. You are so welcome.
DeleteWow what a story! Savannah you amaze me!!! Keep up the encouragement!!! God has blessed you with an amazing gift!!!
ReplyDeleteCrystal Vaughn
(Leyden Skipper's Aunt)
Thank you, Crystal! Leyden is pretty special, too!
DeleteI am Reese's Aunt Beth(the nurse). Thank you Savannah for encouraging Reese. After the shot, she asked if she was bleeding. When we told her no, she said that she was going to tell Savannah that she didn't bleed either. Once again, thanks so much! I got Reese some heart stickers to give to her mom and dad when they give her shots without any blood! :)
DeleteAWESOME!!!!!! Both of these warriors are tremendous! I wish every child could have a Savannah to mentor them.. and I'm sure that many will follow this wonderful example. The ripple effect of goodness will spread :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for your sweet comment. The ripple effect is powerful. I am glad this story has blessed you. Feel free to share it.
ReplyDelete-Jenny
This is Savannah Nelson, thank you so much for the nice comments. It means alot. As I always say,''When God gives you lemons he wants you to make lemonade.'' Love our God and thank him always. Thank you!
ReplyDelete- Savannah
This is Savannah Nelson, thank you so much for the nice comments. It means alot. As I always say,''When God gives you lemons he wants you to make lemonade.'' Love our God and thank him always. Thank you!
ReplyDelete- Savannah
AWESOME!!!!!! Both of these warriors are tremendous!..This post made me cry! What a beautiful thing for your daughter to do.Thanks for sharing the information. That’s a awesome article you posted. To know more about any pain related problem consult pain management murfreesboro tn Keep sharing..
ReplyDelete