Reality

I thought I would report on how Matthew's first day on the new drug, Methotrexate went. As far as I can tell he has no side effects from it. We were told that when he takes in on Tuesday night he could likely feel nauseated from it. That didn't happen last night. Then we were told the next day, today, that he would probably be very sleepy. Well, he took a nap for about an hour today, but he does that often as he doesn't feel well many days. He has felt well today, no aches or fever. He had a hard day on Sunday and again yesterday. Fever and sore ankles and neck. You should see his ankles when they are swollen. Poor guy! We are thankful that so far this medicine seems to do OK with him. Tonight he takes the Folic Acid to replace what we wiped out last night.

I was so thankful to find out that Matthew didn't have a life threatening illness. I was relieved to find out that it was JRA. The reality of what this will mean for his life is now settling in for me though. It hit me yesterday and my emotions went a bit crazy. I am saddened to think that he will have these physical challenges in life(not to mention all the pain), but encouraged when I read about people who can lead a pretty normal life with the meds. Then I am worried about the long term effect of being on meds, but am thankful that we live in a time that we have access to this research and medication.

Two nights ago I had an awful headache. So bad that it made me nauseated and I couldn't stand the light. I had to just go to bed. I felt awful. The next morning, yesterday, Matthew woke up sore with swollen ankles. He had a fever and his neck and jaw were very sore. At one point he just cried because he hurt so bad to take a bit of his food. Tears were streaming down his face. He had to eat something so he could take his medicine in the morning. I know it hurt him so bad. Having just had my bad headache the night before, it really hit me hard. I can't imagine dealing with the pain that he does as often as he does. He is my hero. So as I right this with tears in my eyes from the memory of this yesterday, Matthew is running through the house shooting Trevor with his ten round Nerf gun :) I think Trevor is letting him win :). I am thankful for the good days!

Christina