Happy Joints!

Mia had an appointment with her rheumatologist. We talked about the injection and she answered a lot of questions and concerns we had regarding side effects from the procedure, etc. While Mia has had this done many times before, this is the first time having it done to her face. I'm very thankful for a doctor who is ever so patient and takes the time to explain the details. We have been blessed with a wonderful rheumatologist! 

I talked with her about natural medicine and showed her what we have been using on Mia's jaw for pain relief. She thought it was a great idea! She agreed Mia does not need to be back on NSAIDs for her jaw because the rest of her joints look awesome - no swelling anywhere. And, since the Traumeel gel was working, we should continue it. 

I also shared with her that Mia has been taking arnica (6c; 5 pellets under tongue 3x a day) as recommended by our family's naturopath. She said, "Arnica is wonderful for joint pain and inflammation!" At night, I am using doTERRA's Deep Blue essential oil blend on her jaw. Mia loves how it feels and says it "numbs the pain" in her jaw, allowing her to sleep comfortably.

All in all, we are thankful for yesterday's good report concerning the rest of Mia's body. Mia ended the visit by showing Dr. Miller how she can do the splits and she even performed a dance routine for her. Arthritis can't stop this kid!!

You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me. You hold me in your power. (Psalm 139:5 NIRV)

Goodbye, Indomethacin!!

Mia got a good report today! Her joints look great. No inflammation. Dr. Miller was very pleased with how well she looks!

After performing a few dance moves and doing the splits for Dr. Miller, Mia told her how she went to Dance Camp a few weeks ago...for an entire week (8:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). Dr. Miller looked at me completely shocked that Mia was able to go that long and not have any pain. Mia told her, "No, I felt great!"

After examining her joints, she said to me, "She definitely needs to continue dancing...because it's helping. Her joints look great and her posture is outstanding." Staying active and keeping her joints moving is definitely helping!

All this to say, Dr. Miller said we can stop Indocin (Indomethacin). Mia has been taking Indocin every day for the last two years (before that, she was on Naproxen and then Ibuprofen; she has been on NSAIDS since she was 22 months old). She said, "I don't think she needs it anymore." We are SO happy!! Mia is SO happy! There is nothing better than seeing your child so excited when they find out they get to stop taking a medicine they've taken for so long!

Mia will continue to stay on a gluten-, dairy-, soy-, and egg-free diet. She has been off gluten and dairy since she was diagnosed with arthritis. We eliminated eggs a year ago when we found out she has a food sensitivity and allergy to them. We will continue her daily, arthritis-fighting supplements: cod liver oil, Vitamin D3, and pomegranate juice because we believe this regime is helping to keep her joints "happy."

Dr. Miller did notice a "popping" in her jaw, possibly TMJ, but said she was not too concerned about it. She ordered an MRI to be done next month just to check it out. She said it could be 1) arthritis or 2) mechanical (she is growing and developing so things are shifting and changing) or 3) nothing. She said doesn't expect that it is anything, but wants us to inquire the next time we are at a pediatric dentist (we go next Tuesday). Also, she has not had an MRI since 2007....so she is due for one.

All-in-all, it was a great appointment! I love these kind of appointments - the ones where you feel like what you are doing matters. We are heading in the right direction and it is an awesome feeling!

Thank you, God, for directing our paths and perfecting that which concerns us! We are blessed!