Finally A Diagnosis
August 22nd, 2007 | by Scott |This morning we took Cassidy to the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. The diagnosis that we received was not the best but it was by no means the worst possible.
We did confirm that she has Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis. It is tied into psoriasis. In adults psoriasis can lead to arthritis. In children it is the opposite. Cassie is now predisposed to psoriasis later in life.
The good news is that the doctors are confident that we can return her to her full range of motion and reverse any damage that has been done to her joints thus far. They fully expect her to have a normal life.
The bad news is that she has to take some heavy duty meds. Once a week we will have to administer a shot of methotrexate. In the next couple of weeks we will have to return her for an MRI and a cortisone shot into her knee.
Needless to say it was a long day but we feel better now that we know exactly what we are facing. Regardless of what the road ahead entails I have the most beautiful and special 4 year old.
10 Responses to “Finally A Diagnosis”
By terri on Aug 22, 2007 | Reply
I’m glad you know. I hate for such a sweet girl to have to deal with an illness but having great parents will help her.
By Donna on Aug 22, 2007 | Reply
Yes there is relief in knowing. Glad it is a very treatable thing… answered prayers.
By Shane on Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
At least the element of fear has been greatly diminished. She is a beautiful girl with a sweet paren—-mom (and an alright dad too). I just hate that she has to have so many shots. You guys remain in our prayers (for this and other reasons too).
By Jason Bybee on Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
I’m glad the news is as good as it is. God bless.
By Doug Freeman on Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
Just wanted you know a special prayer was offered up at our Elders meeting on her behalf last night. It is much easier in life to handle difficult issues if we know the direction to take. Sounds as if this was an outstanding medical facility. Ya’ll have a good time in LB.
By Sunny on Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
Cassie has been in my thoughts and prayers. I’m glad that you now have a diagnosis. I hate that she is going to have to go through all of those shots and take a lot of meds.
By Marie on Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
Scott, I am so glad that you finally have a diagnosis. Cassie (and the rest of your family) will continue to be in my prayers.
By Greg England on Aug 27, 2007 | Reply
So sorry to hear about this situation in your lives. Nothing pains a parent more than a child that is suffering. But we rejoice with you in the good news of the diagnosis and treatment and the prospect of a healthy, normal future. It was good to meet you and your family today at Long Beach. We’re lifting all of this up in prayer to our God.
By EJR on Aug 28, 2007 | Reply
Sounds like the diagnosis is a good move in the right direction — toward treatment and avoiding any longterm effects. Our best to you all.
By Scott on Aug 29, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for all the prayers.