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Hi Petra,

This came directly to me instead of to the JRA list. I'm forwarding it

on so that everyone can read your message and respond. I understand the

fears and worries you have. Hopefully the messages you read here will

not only help to answer some of your questions but also help you come up

with more questions, to ask your daughter's doctor about. It's getting

late, so I can't write much right now. I'll be back tomorrow, though.

And I'm sure you'll get feedback and responses from others here.

Take care,

Georgina

Petra Hurt wrote:

>

> Hi all,

>

> I am joining this group because my four year old daughter was just diagnosed

> with systemic jra after a viral infection, high fever. She is being treated

> by a pediatric rheumatologist at Children's Hospital of Michigan. I feel

> relatively comfortable with her, however I am terrified of what this

> diagnosis means. She is currently on Prednisone to treat the acute

> symptoms. One week ago, she was unable to walk or feed herself without

> excruciating pain. Today, she appears perfectly normal. She will be

> reevaluated in about 5 days by the rheumatologist.

>

> Has anyone's child been on methyltrexate? That is one of the drugs talked

> about as well as naprosyn. I am terrified that she will end up on chronic

> steroid therapy. I cried for the first week after her diagnosis. She is a

> very active and bright little girl. I am trying to educate myself to the

> realities of this disease as well as to pray for strength and wisdom. Is it

> possible that she may never have any more problems? Is it possible for her

> to lead a normal life? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone. I live

> in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

>

> Petra Hurt