Arthritis Update

Today was Maci's regularly scheduled check up in Iowa City.  This month marks her third month of Methtrexate.  She really hasn't been on it consistently due to her ear infections so I wasn't sure how well it was working other than the swelling in her ankles has gone down and the cyst on her wrist is gone.  Every time she gets sick, has an infection or fever, we have to stop the medicine for a week at least.  That has been frustrating for us.  Now that the tubes are in, we should be over that issue for awhile!!!

Back to the visit...initially we saw a third year resident who was less than impressive.  (Regardless, I am happy there is interest by young medical professionals in this field as there is a major shortage of this type of specialist. ) Finally Dr. Hong came in to see Maci.  After a thorough review, she officially declared Maci in remission!  So what does that mean?  It means Maci has no 'active' joints at this time!!!  I was a little skeptical of that term since technically she is on medication that in my mind should be doing its job and reducing her inflammation.  But seeing the pure excitement from Dr. Hong made me realize this was a big deal.  Literally, she was grinning from ear to ear.

We will continue on with this medication regimen for two more years.  If Maci has no flare ups in that time period, we will either ween her off the medicine or stop it all together to see what impact, if any, it has on her.  So we will continue to monitor and have Iowa City visits and eye appointments every 3 months.

I'm being cautiously optimistic about our news today.  We've seen marked improvement in Maci's mobility and mood so we know the drugs are working....let's hope they keep doing their thing!