Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Is it methotrexate? My son has JA. He takes methotrexate 1 time a week. And naprocin as needed. I do not know what they would be giving her daily, but, my struggle with this was the methotrexate and the Humira (which we are now off). The MTX can cause liver issues, that is the reason for the blood test. The Humira ( as well as other TNF blockers) raise cancer risk especially when used in children. This is a terrifying thought, but my son was miserable, arthritis will rob a child of childhood. You have to let them be able to live their life now and just pray for the best long term option. I know this isn't easy.

Have you looked at a gluten-free diet? I recently read an article about a mom in New York (I think) that put her son on a GF diet and his arthritis cleared up after about 6 weeks.

I like Melissa's answer.. If Migranes, behavior etc.. can be changed, I would do that first before meds.

Take out all GF foods, MSG, Dyes etc.. go to a Fruit, veggie, meat diet for a while and see if it makes a difference before meds.. (Paleo diet?) Just get as much as the processed garbage out of her diet, see if there is any change.. I would give it an honest 3 weeks to clear out of her system, and see if there are any changes..
Good luck.

Try to find an online support group if you don't find info here
Also ask her doctors office for a support group near you.

http://www.mdjunction.com/support-groups

My grandson is on a mental health medication and has to have his blood checked every 3 months. It's not a problem. The blood work will show a problem and he would stop taking the medication. There would be no lasting affects. Talk with the pharmacist or his doctor to find out what they would be looking for in blood work and what the negative affects would be and whether or not the medication could cause a more serious thing to b corrected.

I was reading something a few days ago about an inflamation diet, I think it might have been mentioned on Dr. Oz...I was wondering if that might help..I don't know for sure though.

I am sorry for you that you have to go through this and so does your daughter, I'll send good thoughts your way.

I agree with Maureen and Melissa.

Arthritis is inflammation. Start researching it, and start thinking about food intolerances/allergies. It is worth a try before major medication.