Wednesday, July 11, 2012

What do YOU think of when you hear the word “ARTHRITIS”?


When I was younger, if I didn’t know the meaning of a word, my mom would say “look it up”…well, I decided to look up “arthritis” for the fun of it…

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines arthritis as: “inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes; also: a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)”

Let’s dive in a little deeper… Most of us hear the word arthritis and think of the form called “osteoarthritis” and yet we use the word “arthritis” as if it is interchangeable with the word “osteoarthritis”.   We all know someone, usually an older person, who has arthritis…in fact, it is so “accepted” as the norm that many elders will say something like “oh, it’s just my arthritis acting up” if you ask why they are moving with caution in some way.  Our culture/society expects this because it’s only natural as one ages.  But why do we accept pain as acceptable…it’s not something anyone should have to experience.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Osteoarthrtits (OA) as:  arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by degenerative and sometimes hypertrophic changes in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints and a progressive wearing down of apposing joint surfaces with consequent distortion of joint position and is marked symptomatically especially by pain, swelling, and stiffness—abbreviation OA; called also degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis”

OA is NOT what children with juvenile arthritis have!  Juvenile arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis and more specifically is differentiated from OA because it’s an autoimmune arthritis.  Juvenile arthritis is not NATURAL in any of its various forms.  Yet, many families experiencing JA have heard at one point or another, something to the effect of “Oh, I know about that (referring to JA), I get arthritis in my …” or “My grandma has arthritis…” or  “I had tennis elbow and that really hurts…”  All of these comments are very well-intended.  They are a way of showing compassion or an attempt to relate to a disease that many know very little about.  But as a parent or a child/teen dealing with the disease, these comments are incredibly frustrating to hear spoken aloud because we painfully know that osteoarthritis is not synonymous with Juvenile arthritis in any way shape or form; except that they share one commonality in that the diseases both affect joints.  Juvenile arthritis (also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) is an autoimmune disease.

Merriam-Webster defines rheumatoid arthritis as:  a usually chronic disease that is considered an autoimmune disease and is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints—abbreviation RA; called also atrophic arthritis”
and autoimmune is:  of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them”

and atrophy (verb: atrophic) is:  “decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue; also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant”

Juvenile arthritis (JA) comes in many forms and severities range from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Just as the various 100 plus forms of JA differ, so does the treatment.  Researchers are still learning about JA; there is still so much that is unknown.  And even if one treatment plan works for one child with the very same form of JA as another, it doesn’t guarantee it will work for every child with that form.  Each child is an individual.  Thus the challenge for pediatric rheumatologists is great.

I know that families who read our blog, especially whose child is newly diagnosed, may worry even more after reading about Parker.  But I want to reassure families to remember that just because something doesn’t work (or does work) for our child, doesn’t mean the same will happen if the treatment is used for their child.  I have heard that some families get really scared after reading about Parker.  We never intended to scare anyone, but we do ALL desperately need a cure for our children no matter where we are at in this JA journey.  Parker does have a severe and progressive form of JA called systemic on-set juvenile arthritis (also known as still’s disease).  Recently, we have learned that even with systemic on-set there are some who have less than 5 joints involved (oligo) and some who have more than 5 joints involved (poly) and that it’s children who are poly in nature that seem to have a more progressive form of the disease and that children with systemic on-set seem to have more immunology issues. For readers who are not familiar with systemic on-set JA, these children not only have joint involvement but also can have issues with rashes, fevers, and inflammation in any organ in the entire body   (source:  http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/11/1350.full.pdf+html).  

Our family has chosen to be vocal about our experiences because we feel it is one way we can raise awareness and advocate for what is needed for ALL CHILDREN with autoimmune diseases.  They ALL deserve equal attention and we really feel that if researchers could figure out one autoimmune disease, it would help with making progress on all autoimmune diseases.


Michael, Logan, Parker, and Jesse (Logan's best bud) watch the sunset

So tonight the rain clouds drifted away as we watch the sunset on another glorious day.  We send out love to all families dealing with Juvenile Arthritis in any size, shape, or form.  May we all see a CURE become reality for our future children!

6 comments:

  1. I began experiencing sharp pain and stiffness in my right hand. This pain always occurs in the morning and may not go away. I thought that I hurt my hand somehow but I could not remember what I did. I also began to experience extreme fatigue and malaise. About 4 months later, I went to the doctor and after many repeat blood tests to rule out Lyme disease and Lupus, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I was adjusting to the medications Plaquenil and methotrexate, but they make me feel sick also. I had a ringing in my ears and loss of appetite. I sometimes had problems writing, dressing, or writing with my right hand.When the medication no longer helps, i was introduced to Health herbal clinic in Johannesburg who have successful herbal treatment to rheumatoid arthritis diseases. I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in United States and they all gave a positive response, so i immediately purchased the rheumatoid arthritis herbal remedy and commenced usage, i used the herbal supplement for only 5 weeks, all symptoms gradually faded away, herbs are truly gift from God. contact this herbal clinic via their email healthherbalclinic @ gmail. com or visit www. healthherbalclinic. weebly. com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis for my whole life, it started about in my early 30s back in the 90s. I would have my hand swell up to big red balloons around my knuckles and I wouldn't be able to move the hands at all. What I did notice that helped relieve the pain, but not the swelling was Absorbine Jr. The arthritis cream made it easier with the stiffness and the pain when I had the worst conditions. The swelling and the movement were still bad though and sometimes that made it hard to do the easiest of tasks around the house. The thing I noticed at first and the early signs were pain and the swelling. The swelling where my knuckles would get red where the first indications that I had rheumatoid arthritis I searched for alternative treatments and started on rheumatoid arthritis herbal formula i ordered from Health Herbal Clinic, my symptoms totally declined over a 5 weeks use of the rheumatoid arthritis disease natural herbal formula.i read reviews from other previous patients who used the herbal formula,i am now active, i can now go about daily exercise!! Visit there website www. healthherbalclinic. net or email Info@ healthherbalclinic. net herbs are truly gift from God.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing such an informative post on web. Now days seniors have a lot of health issues and it has become a difficult task to take care of them. So what should be done, i think we should visit senior care centers. Stacys Helping Hand, Inc http://www.stacyshelpinghand.com/ help families to find the right option of assisted living in Denver CO

    ReplyDelete
  4. Apple cider vinegar is also very effective in providing relief from many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Being rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, it helps reduce pain and inflammation. Learn more about natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis visit http://www.jointpainclinic.com/body-aches-pains-natural-relief-for-muscle-joint-pains.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Welcome to Dr Harry am here to solve all your problems
    YOU NEED ANY OF THESE :, DR HARRY ON WHATSAPP +14694570244
    EMAIL: drharry37@gmail.com

    *Success in business
    *Get your lover back
    *Fruit of the womb
    *Fibroid/ eje dudu ,
    *Financial breakthrough
    *Woman that want to get pregnant
    *Quick ejaculation
    *Weak erection
    *Epilepsy
    *Cancer
    *Spiritual attack
    *Political appointment
    *Visa approval
    *Spiritual power for politician
    *Examination success
    *Hypertension
    *Diabesity
    *Stroke
    *Pile
    *Rheumatism
    *Natural herbs
    *Infections
    *Low sperm
    *Gonorea
    *Asthma
    *Job promotion
    *Marriage problems
    *You need population inside your church.....
    And so many more about spiritual help contact me and surely you will also get it well and your life will never be the same
    You can WhatsApp Dr Harry on +14694570244
    Email: drharry37@gmail.com
    and he will help out solved all the problems that you have encountered.

    ReplyDelete
  6. O Lord blesses & protects Pastor Herbalist Theo and his family in Jesus name; he cured me from herpes & Rheumatoid Arthritis, I am sharing this for others to know THERE IS FAST CURE FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND HERPES. I have been suffering from herpes for over 4 years. Early last year, I discovered I have Rheumatoid Arthritis also, I was unhappy, uncomfortable and depress living with 2 deadly diseases, I begin to search for solution, I saw many testimonies on Google on how Pastor Theo cured people from Rheumatoid Arthritis, HSV, HIV, Lupus autoimmune disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia, HPV, Cancer, Fibroid, Diabetes, Pregnancy Issues, ex back lover spell caster, etc. I decided to contact herbalist Theo because he is a pastor, he will be sincere and trustworthy, I sent him money for the herbal medicines, cream & soap, He told me to avoid sex for 12 days, To my greatest surprise after 16 days, I went for test; I was tested negative in both. This gives me the mind to share his good & safe herbal cures to help others living with these diseases/viruses all in the name of medical doctor says NO CURE.
    Email on: pastortheoherbalhome@gmail.com or Whatsapp: +2349030502084 he said he is perfect in curing:
    1. Herpes
    2. HPV
    3. Cancer
    4. Diabetes
    5. Skin Disease / Darrel’s Skin/ Skin disorder, itches etc.
    6. Fibroid
    7. Swollen
    8. Enlargement of butt. Penis & breast
    9. Arthritis
    10. Hepatitis
    11. HIV
    12. Retinitis
    13. Sjogrens
    14. Corona virus & prescription
    15. Bad breath
    16. Urine cancer
    17. Rheumatoid Arthritic
    18. Lupus autoimmune disease
    19. Trigeminal Neuralgia Etc

    ReplyDelete