Thursday, December 18, 2014

Update on Life with JIA



I haven't posted in several months, so I decided to post an update on Savannah.  Over all, life is good...yes, it is really good! The sulfasalazine seems to be the wonder drug for Savannah.  They have increased her dose to the max for her weight, and though she is not pain free, the pain is very manageable.




You change up dreams on this Juvenile Arthritis journey, and that is okay. Savannah once wanted to be a soccer star, but she now sings in her middle school chorus.  We are taking lemons and making lemonade!  I do not know what is in store in Savannah's life, I just know each day is a gift and we have to make the most of it.



Lastly, Savannah, her father, and I all walked/ran in the Jingle Bell Run for arthritis this month....and Savannah did not use her wheelchair!!  She and her father might have taken some short cuts...and Savannah might have even been carried on her father's back at points (thank goodness for a strong man), but Savannah made it! Thank you for following Savannah's journey.  There is hope on this journey and we hope this blog blesses you in some way.



                                                                   Happy Holidays!!!
                                                            Jenny, Eric, and Savannah




6 comments:

  1. We love you and we are so proud for every good moment your sweet girl has!!!! We still pray for her daily.

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  2. I was searching the internet tonight, unable to sleep, looking for some hope. My 15 year old son's Spondylo. is not responding to treatment, and I'm watching his condition worsen. Finding your blog made me feel like we aren't quite so alone. Thank you.

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    1. There is a group on Facebook called "Mothering Juvenile Arthritis". This is a network of moms whose children suffer with JA. It is a wonderful group and so helpful for support and answers. I am glad this blog was helpful, as well. No, you are not alone on this journey. My prayers are with you. -Jenny

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  3. I saw Savannah's video on YouTube while searching for RA videos, and was so touched. I can't imagine being THAT young and in so much pain! I am 28, and diagnosed with RA 2 years ago. My knees, wrists, ankles, and shoulders began seizing up overnight and I was in constant, crippling pain. My mom had to help me dress in the morning, etc. I did methotrexate for 7 months and lost half my hair, and felt ill all the time. I began looking into alternative treatments. I discovered the Paddison Program, based in Australia, and I am 95% pain FREE because I've cut *all* inflammatory foods from my diet (no dairy, red meat, or wheat, and few other things). I basically eat a lot of fish, a lot of salads, nuts, and fruit in moderation. The diet sucks because it's so restrictive, but I have almost NO pain anymore and best of all, no drugs required. After 1 week of no dairy, my ankles stopped hurting completely, and after 3 weeks (when I gradually cut the other inflammatory foods out, like eggs and red meat), my knees were pain free. My shoulders and wrists took longer, about a month. My wrists used to be puffy and inflexible; the swelling and stiffness is GONE now, after many months. I realize Savannah may have a more complicated disease than I, but for me, it changed my life, and now I just want to share what worked for me, in case it could help anyone else. Blessings and best wishes. http://www.rheumatoidarthritisprogram.com/the-cause-of-ra-update/

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    1. I also want to add that Paddison recommends no fish or meat whatsoever, but I could not stick to that part of the diet, myself. White fish and salmon have not been a problem for me, although they are for some RA sufferers.

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  4. Thank you. We hope our blog was helpful to you. Have a blessed day.

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