Some New News-The Story of Siobhan's Knee Part 2

Remember this post from two year ago (almost exactly two years ago, ironically)? This has nothing to do with this new news, but it's worth reflecting on.

I notice about six weeks ago that Siobhan had some severe swelling in her left knee. Here we go again. Well, immediately-because that's the way I am-I began to worry. Carson kept telling me not to worry because she didn't really seem to be acting any different (even though her left knee is about twice the size of her right) but I wasn't able to put it aside. Joints don't swell no apparent reason. She didn't tell us if she got hurt or if she had done anything. She only complained that her left knee was hurting which is not the one that was swollen. But after a few weeks, I thought it would be a good idea to get it checked out.

We went to see Dr. Wirkus on Tuesday. He's awesome and we are so blessed to have him as our pediatrician. In this case, I really consider it a tender mercy. We talked about her family history and recent illnesses and then he did some movement and flexibility tests. At that point, he told use that she has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA or JIA) in both knees and her right ankle. As it turns out, our Dr. did a two year internship during med school at the arthritis clinic at Primary Children's Hospital so he really knew how to recognize it and the best course of action.

So we weren't really expecting that diagnosis, but on the spectrum of things that it could have been, I guess this is probably one of the better things that we could hear. We have a big to do list now so that we can find out the extent of the disease and how it will effect her. She is on a pretty powerful anti-inflammatory medication, we have to get X-Rays done, a bunch of blood work and we have to get her eyes checked for inflammation as this type of arthritis can cause her eyes to swell also.

That evening, Siobhan received a priesthood blessing and was told that this is something that will make her stronger and bring us together as a family. While this is not an ideal diagnosis, things could be a lot worse and I'm grateful for the comfort of the Spirit. She's going to be fine regardless! She's a strong little girl and she'll handle it all like she always does...with a big smile and a giggle.

Funny story...Siobhan doesn't totally understand what's going on, but she decided for the first time to use it as an excuse. While we were kneeling down to say family prayer, she was goofing around because she didn't want to settle down for bed. When we told her that she needed to get on her knees for family prayer she said, 'But I can't, remember I have 'arthitis'.....' This coming from the girls who had just been jumping on the bed and running in circles!