"Well, she doesn't look sick." Or... "It doesn't look like anything is wrong with her." Or..."She never complains. She must not be having any trouble with her arthritis."
Okay, let me clear up some things in this post. First off, Svannah is doing MUCH better compared to a year ago, or even six months ago. However, Savannah's improvement is a result of a lot of powerful medicines she has to take...Infusions every four weeks at Children's Hospital in Birmingham and shots every single Friday. The medicines are allowing Savannah to be a normal kid...to run, to play, to walk normal, to write in school. What you don't see with her "normal life" is these medicines "behind the scenes". The video below gives you a glimpse into what it takes for Savannah to be a normal kid.
* Does Savannah still hurt even after all the medicines?
Yes. She still wakes up every morning and has to be pushed around in a rolling desk chair because her feet and ankles are so stiff.
She still has trouble writing, though she is better with this since starting the medicines. However, she is still one of the last students to finish her writing assignments because it takes such effort to write with the arthritis in her fingers.
After a period of time walking/running, Savannah's feet start hurting...like long before my feet or most anyone else's feet would hurt from walking/running...or even standing.
* Why put Savannah on such powerful medicines?
Because the pros of being on the medicines far outweigh the negatives. Plain and simple answer.
* How long will she have to take these medicines?
Indefinitely...or until they stop working.
* Can Savannah go into remission?
Yes. Anything is possible, especially with prayer. However, it is not likely because of the severity of the onset of her arthritis and because it started in multiple joints.
I hope this information helps clear up some things people have been wondering. The video above will give you a glimpse into what is going on, "behind the scenes" as Savannah's journey in life continues. AND...If Savannah doesn't look sick to you....GREAT! She just wants to be a normal kid the best she can!
Jenny - I've watched that video so many times and I cry every single time. No one can know Savannah's pain but Savannah. The fact that Savannah deals with her pain and her treatment with such grace and dignity, and with so few complaints should not lead others to make assumptions or minimize what she is going through. I praise God every time she "doesn't look like anything is wrong with her" because that just means one of two things: either He has answered our prayers and granted her a "good day with little pain" or that He has given her the strength and grace to bear it and keep going. Good for you Savannah. We are lifting you up every single day! You are such a strong young woman. Stronger than a lot of grown ups would be in your circumstances. I admire you and you inspire me not to complain about the little things and to always be thankful for the gifts God has given me.
ReplyDeleteEden,
ReplyDeleteYour words are so uplifting....your thoughtful comments. Thank you for all that you say and do. It means so much.
I see you have signed on to run/walk on "Team Savannah". You and your family are such a blessing to us. Every time I see your boys, I smile...thinking of the love in your family. Thank you for taking this journey with us and for your prayers. It is working!
Hi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteThis is Courtney Lucas in the Foundation at Children's of Alabama. We love your blog and would like to talk to you about doing a story on Savannah for one of our publications. Could you please email me or give me a call? Many thanks, Courtney Lucas 205.638.7379 or courtney.lucas@childrensal.org