My son Kyle is 11 and he was just diagnosed with JRA in December. He is on methotrexate and I have not seen any difference. The doctor did tell me that it could take from 6 weeks to 6 months to see any difference. He has polyarticular and has 10 joints affected; it hurts for him to do almost anything and I have to take him to the opthomologist every 2 months. We went to doctor after doctor and could not get a diagnosis. His current doctor has talked to me about moving because we live in an area of multiple cold fronts; lots of weather below zero and extreme humidity in the summer. He mentioned Arizona, but said I could try Southern South Carolina first if I wanted to; it would be closer to my home in Ohio where I live now. Anyone have any thoughts? He is really suffering here in Ohio. I can work anywhere because I am a teacher, so where I move really doesn't matter. South Carolina still gets cold but it averages about 25 degrees higher than where I live in Ohio. Any ideas or comments will be appreciated.
I live in a cold climate and really feel no difference from the weather. I will say that it took about a full year before the right coctail of meds was found and working. I was started on prednisone and eventually taken up to 20 mgs. I was slowly started on the methotrexate (mtx) starting at 7.5 mgs. in order to monitor for bad effects on liver and etc. (most can handle mtx w/no problems). I was also started on 50 mgs. of enbrel. I am not 100% whole but I have good function and not so much pain. I think that once the right mix of meds is administered and they take effect your son will have a great decrease in pain.
Please take the time to post your question on the Rheumatoid Arthritis forum above the JRA forum and you will be flooded with experience and good advise.
Just remember, it is not a crippling disease any more and can be managed. So many times a parent hurts worse than the child but it will get better, it just takes time.
LEV
P.S. I am now up to 25mgs of methotrexate. Down to 15mgs. of prednisone (have been lower but I up it when pain ups) and am still at 50mgs. of enbrel. They are the drugs I hate and love.
Lev is right.....sometimes it just takes what seems like *forever* for the meds to work like you want them too. It's so iffy with the weather thing. A lot of people say it effects them, and a lot say it doesn't do squat. With him being so young...I dunno. It might not make a whole lot of difference to him just yet, where you live.
I've had JRA since I was just a wee lil baby, and my dad was military - I've lived in VA, TX, WA, NE, FL, and even the UK - I've honestly not seen a whole lot of difference from state to state, just from season to season...It's just so hard to say sometimes. Hang in there!!!!
Thats interesting that a doctor would suggest moving. I guess I've never heard a doc suggest that. At least wait until you get the meds figured out before making a decision like that. I've had JRA for 18 years and lived in Minnesota; only when my meds are not really working do the seasons/weather really affect me. Best of luck...I feel sad that your son must deal with this illness. the pain is the first line of defense. In order for him to function the doctors must get rid of his pain. Then you can treat the long term illness. good luck (there is nothing so hurtful, worrysome as a sick child)
i'm 14, and was diagnosed a couple of months ago, but to be honest it feels like forever! i can't remember my life before i wasn't in pain constantly. I'm on methotrexate aswell, but haven't felt an improvment yet. I often feel worse when the weather's more humid, however my Rheumatologist doesn't really think the weather is what affects me. This may seem stupid, but a friend of my mum's was diagnosed as a teenager, and found eating melon eased his joints in less than an hour after eating it, i've tried it and it does seem to help. Apparently there's some kind of natural un-inflammatory thing in melon?
hi my name is katie and i have a 21 mth old son called sam and 6wks ago i found out he as onset jir im still in shock dose any one have any advice of wat 2 expect and what the future may old for my son thanks Hi Julie, I was advised to do the same by my RD, move from Sydney to Queensland for warmer climate, the cold does affect me but thankfully where we are now it's hot all year round almost. Good luck, Janie. Hi Kat, I am so sorry to hear this. It is bad enough being an adult with it, but a poor defenceless little baby, life is cruel at times.