RE: Juvenile Arthritis

I'm so sorry to hear that your 2year old might have JRA. I feel for her! I had JRA, was dx'd at 2 years old also. It was only in one of my fingers. Then later at 8-9 years old it moved to my right ankle and right knee and I was in a full flare for many years.

Does the naprosyn seem to help her? When will you hear back from the doctor?

I have had arthritis throughout my life. I did not "grow out of it" like they thought I might and it still needs to be treated with medication. I am 38. I have taken a lot of different meds, but I currently take Simponi (just started) and so far so good. Remicade worked the best for me, but I didn't start that until I was almost 30. I doubt they would put a 2 year old on that.

I think the Naproxen is a good place to start. I took Naproxen for years during my teens and twenties. She is probably better in the day time because her joints have had a chance to "loosen" up. Night time and early morning stiffness are typical for most people with arthritis. If you can I would make sure to give her the medication at night before she goes to bed so she can have a less painful sleep. Then give it to her in the morning right away. When I was in college I used to set an alarm to wake up at 5am so I could take my medicine and go back to sleep for a few hours. It made getting up so much easier because the medicine was already in my system and working when I had to get up and the pain didn't slow me down. Maybe even giving her a bath in the morning will help. I know the warm water always helps my joints.

Steroids - like prednisone. Great for fast relief. Great for a "quick fix", but not a permanent solution. I'm sure if they decide her condition is worthy of steroid treatment they will discuss the pros and cons with you.

I know that you feel worried, but try not to stress too much. There is a lot they can do for arthritis that wasn't available when I was a child. I actually started off with taking aspirin! Medicine is so much more advanced today! If you find that you have questions, write them down and keep a list and take it to the doctor the next time you go. You are your daughter's best advocate, so ask any and every question that you need to.

Just to give you some hope - although I have dealt with arthritis and I've never been an athlete ;), I've lived a very full life and have not been held back because of it. I have 3 little children that keep me busy and life is good. Life will be good for your daughter too. Arthritis isn't fun, but she will be ok. Keep us posted on how she's doing and what they decide to do for her treatment.

Stef