What is Juevenile Arthritis?

I had never heard of children having Arthritis, until my 14 month old daughter was diagnosed. I have tried my best to become educated on it. I would love the opportunity to speak with other parents if there are any out there. We are doing our best to cope with this condition. Right now she is off medicine since 10-24-08. So far no signs of inflammation. The medicine we use is methotrexate and naproxen. They make her sick and she quits eating and sleeping. Our biggest problem is the medicine we try to avoid putting her on it, but it will come to the point she can no longer deal with to swelling of her joints. She is 4 now and communicates how the medicine makes her feel. Trouble thinking and remembering, ulcers in her mouth, she says her throat burns and its hot when she pees. The doctor acts like this is no big deal. She's had elevated liver enzymes, bladder and kidney infections. She also takes a Folic Acid supplement because of the mouth ulcers. The doctor still says she does not have the heart burn I have questioned for 2 years. I think that is why she can't eat or sleep while on meds. She also quit growing for an entire year no growth. I took her off meds and in 2 months she grew 1 inch and gained 1 pound. Is there anyone out there with answers for us? She will go to preschool next year and I have no idea what to expect.

Do it all mom of 4

I am a mother of 3 girls: 9, 4 and 21 months and one son 9 months. I sale Avon a little, substitute for the State school for special needs children, go to college, have a work-study job converting textbooks to alternantive text and I also work at H&R block doing taxes. I am very busy to say the least.




Super Mom