Update on Derrick

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Derrick finally has his first rhurm doctor appointment this Friday.

Wow its been a long wait. He is excited and nervous. He has asked

what they will do at the first appointment and I really dont know. I

think hes most worried that they will have to draw blood again. Our

family doctor has already done this so I dont know if Dr will

has to redo this or not.

Over the past two months Derrick has worked really hard with

occupational therapy on stretches but it isnt really helping any.

Mornings are tuff for him he feels like he cant get out of bed. His

back, knees, ankles, wrists, and hands hurt so bad.

We have tried the ibuprophen dose that our family doc recommended

600mg three times a day but it dosent help much. He has started

having stomach upset even if he eats something when taking the

medication. He has started to loose weight because he goes threw

times he dosnt feel like he can eat. He is very tired by the end of

the day after school and sleeps alot. We have tried muscle rub

lotions, heated rice bags and hot baths--- nothing helps.

Derrick starts pool therapy this Wednesday too. He is excited about

this. Hope this helps relieve some discomfort. Doing stretching

excersies at home just aggrivates hes joints. I hate making him do

them because I know he will be in pain afterwards.

With all this said-- I have read up on all the possible medications

and to tell you all the truth I am terrifed of the side effects. He

is already on meds for his asthma. I am wondering if his asthma

could be from the arthiritis? I have a diary of his days and what

triggers the pain and stiffness and general how he has felt for the

past two months thinking this may help the doctor. Also have a list

of questions since I am sure I will not be able to remember all of

them when we get there for the appointment. Thanks for listening I

am just nervous. I am worried we will go to the appointment and

there wont be anything that can be done. I am exhausted from

watching Derrick go threw all this pain and not being able to do the

things he wants to do. At age 12 you should just be able to be a kid.

Thanks Christy