Lucy Update

okay, so Dr. Stotts called us today and said that she tested positive for Rheumatoid Arthritis. So the next step for Lucy is to see a Rheumatologist. They are referring us to one in Idaho Falls, so at least we don't have to travel as far. He said that most likely the medication that they will put her on will control the inflammation and she will be able to live life normally. That was good news. So I had no idea what this thing was and I'm sure there are some of you who don't either. So I looked it up online and here is a little bit to explain why this is happening to our little Lucy.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
"Your immune system protects your body against foreign invaders such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between these foreign invaders and the body's normal cells. It begins to attack those normal cells too.
The damage starts when your immune system begins to weaken your joints. Unlike minor injuries that heal over time, the deterioration of bones and cartilage within the joints caused by moderate to severe RA does not go away. Even without serious symptoms, RA could be irreversibly destroying your joints.
One of the basic ways your immune system protects your body is by increasing the flow of blood and immune cells to a threatened part of the body. This produces inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages. The first stage is the swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.

Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur. RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is critical if you want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery. "

So. Stotts said that it is better for a young child to get it because their bones and joints aren't fully developed yet. So since we caught it early we are going to be able to control the inflammation and she should develop normally. this is assuming that her body takes well to whatever medication they put her on. So lets pray for good results. Thanks everyone for your support. 

Bonnie