Ayla's appt 1-29-10

So yesterdays appointment went pretty well. Any appt where we don't get admitted is good:)

Ayla's layer of fascia is still swollen under her skin. The Rheumatologist gave us a script to fill for a drug called Methotrexate, which will help with this. It's traditionally given in large amount as a cancer med, but they have used it for years in small doses for RA and other similar diseases. It is given by mouth or injection once a week. We are going to try orally first, but sometimes oral has side effects like sores in the mouth, upset stomach, fatigue. It is filter through the liver so they will have to monitor liver/kidney function as well as any increase or decrease in the amount of cells at least once a month for a while through a simple blood test. If we have to go to injection we can do it outselves, it's much like insulin. It takes about 6-12 weeks for it to take full effect so in a few weeks we will start weaning her off the prednisone slowly until she is only on the methotrexate (and prevacid & naproxen).

She also is going to get the ball rolling on the inpatient rehab center in Toronto just in case we need it. She said that they would do 6 hours of physio solid per day. I would be able to stay...not sure what the boys would do...but God will figure it out for us. She said her goal for Ayla is a full recovery, she isn't sure if that will happen but that's her "goal." She still says she doesn't know how long she'll be on medication or how long until she is "better." But we already knew that.

While we were there a "friend" stopped in to say hello. One of our residents from Windsor happened to be there and saw Ayla's name on the schedule and just "had" to come down and see us:) She is also learning about this disease from behind the scenes and thinks about Ayla lots.

I have to stay in touch through email with the Rhuem over the next few weeks to keep a handle on how/if the methotrexate is working. We will see her again in 6 weeks for a follow up and more bloodwork.

That's all for now.
Thanks for everything!
God Bless.

Lacy