Arthritis - Juvenile Support Group

My child is still unDxed, but we think we are sure what she has, which is on the arthritis list. However, it will probably not cause any damage, unless it turns JRA.

We did have this conflict on Mon night though. I know my 12yo DD wanted to go to VBS, but she said that the pain was too much, and getting in the hot van was just not something she could do. It would only be hot on the way, but she didn't think she could participate and begged to stay home. I finally relented, and her Daddy had just arrived home. Unfortunately, he had to go to bed since he gets up at 1:30am, and I left my phone at home on accident. I don't like her being unsupervised because she has had breathing issues during flares before, but she was fine.

Yesterday, she came down in the AM without any problems. She did her chores, and then some (for her sister who pulled some of her weight on Mon), went to VBS last night and had a great time.

Today, she came down REALLY stiff from a 12 hour sleep last night, and is better now, since she was moving around.

When do you have a child just "push through the pain" as her pediatrician suggested? Versus letting them decide to say No to stuff if they really feel that badly? This issue with us, is that letting her out of certain things could affect the rest of the family/6 other kids.

She is not milking this, I KNOW that. She does great on her chores and obligations on her pain free days, and we let her off the hook a little more when she is having a bad day. Since her pain isn't for days/weeks/months on end anymore, then it is easier. She can have issues for just hours/days. Her longer flares aren't as severe it seems.

But, I wanted to know how far I should push her from experienced parents, especially if this does turn JRA? How much do you weigh your child's medical issues with the needs of the rest of the family? TY, Kymberli
Posted on 08/05/09, 01:08 pm