Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I hate the rain. Not just because it makes the day feel so dreary (not to mention it takes all the lovely volume out of my very thin, fine hair), but because of how it affects my daughter's body. It seems like every time there is a snow storm or we experience cold, rainy weather, Mia's joints are worse. Even more of a reason why I am looking forward to warm, sunny weather in the next few months! Hooray for spring!

Today at OT, Mia's regular therapist, Kelly, was joined by a PT from the Early Intervention program to examine Mia's joints and offer additional ideas to help. Before they arrived, I noticed Mia was limping again this morning (UGH!). The therapists noticed, too. However, that could be because of the nasty weather we are enduring today, which is causing her leg to not be straight. Either way, I hate to see her this way.

Yesterday, while she was at school, Mia fell twice - the second time was worse than the first and now she has nice bump in the middle of her forehead. Now, I know what many of you might be thinking - "Kids fall down." Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard it...many times! But, it is different with Mia. I am well aware that kids take a tumble every now and then. However, we are starting to realize that Mia's "mishaps" are mostly related to the arthritis. Today's OT appointment just confirmed that even more. She fell four times during the session (30 minutes). And all she was doing was walking around the room! The first time...no big deal. By the fourth tumble, both the OT and the PT were concerned. So, the PT examined Mia and saw she may be quickly switching from the right leg (ankle) that hurts back to the left leg (knee) that hurts and when she steps down on her left leg she is getting caught on her swollen toe and that is why she keeps falling down. And, because she is limping, this also causes her balance to be off.

So, they told me to make sure that she is having equal rest-time and play-time. Just as it is so important to promote movement to her joints, it is also important to let them rest. They recommended no extra-curricular activities right now that would put stress on her joints. So, I guess gymnastics is "out" for the time being! :) They also said jumping should be limited because it could aggravate her joints and just cause more pain. They are going to try to get her into an aquatic program immediately. This will allow Mia to move and exercise in an environment that will benefit her joints rather than harm them. That would be awesome for Mia!

Praise Report: Mia's OT mentioned that she knows Mia's school teacher! Apparently, she had a patient over there in the two-year-old class who she recently saw for about a year and a half, so she was over there all of the time. So, Kelly suggested that she stops by and talks to the teacher to let her know what to watch out for and any things that would help make Mia's day a bit easier. She said she wouldn't mind stopping by over there to check on Mia once in a while either. That way, it comes from the OT and doesn't make me look like a crazy, over-concerned mom. I love how God works - He lines up specific people to assist you during tough times! :)