Shelby's JDMS Journal of Events
March 2000 to present
Week 28 - Ending September 9
Saturday 09/9/00 : Shelby's last appointment was Sept 5 on Tuesday. We had been up to my parent's again so Omaha was our stop on the way home. What a long trip! Just the kids and I went up, we left on Saturday. My Uncle Aaron and his family held a family reunion of sorts at his home. What a beautiful place! We all had a great time, the highlight of my evening was rolling down the big hill behind their house. You'd think we'd grow out of things like that, but then again I'm glad we haven't.
Dr. J had first said he didn't need to do labwork, but then remembered that we didn't do it at the last appointment. I'm still waiting to get a history of her lab tests, I need to request it again. They are busy and I'm sure it's not a top priority.
Dr. J asked if we've noted any changes in Shelby since lowering the dosage of Prednisone and increasing the Methotrexate. I mentioned that she's had one stomach ache, but the pain seemed to be sharp and brief and maybe was just gas? I had given her a Tums and she seemed to get over it quickly. We are to take her daily Predinose dose down to just 2 pills, or 20 mgs. each day. This is great news again, we know there are some nasty long term side effects with this drug. We are glad to see it go!
Weak hip flexor strength was noted. We will do more leg raises and also let her PT know about it. We've requested that Dr. J write a letter to our new insurance company. They have a 20 visit max per year for physical therapy. Shelby has already had that many visits this year. Dr. J needs to explain why these visits are medically necessary, and the insurance company will "consider" her case. We are confident that we can continue with the PT with help from our very understanding insurance company. Yes, I'm being sarcastic. We are hopeful!
All the other medicine will remain the same.
Shelby loves school! She is doing great so far this year and is really happy to be back. She loves her new teacher and is enjoying her school work. They have homework in 3rd grade now, and I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that Shelby is very prompt and meticulous when it comes to doing her homework. Her spelling tests, especially. I can't believe some of the words she's learning! I know of college graduates that can't spell some of these words!
It has still been very hot here each day. A few weeks ago we were still consistently seeing 100 degree temps. It has cooled slightly, and the evenings are cooler, but we are all tired of the heat. Today is Germanfest in Fairbury. We plan to attend the parade downtown and maybe have a corn dog while we're there. Last year we rode some rides, so that's also a possibility. I took the kids on some rides at the fair in July, and was a little nervous beforehand because of Shelby's neck strength. She didn't have any trouble as it turns out.
We don't need to go back to the doctor until November now!
Shelby has enjoyed her summer but can't wait for school to start. She likes to be busy and to have "jobs" do to, like homework for instance. School starts the 23rd. They've installed a new air conditioning system there, so there won't be any early dismissals for heat like there has been in the past. There is a bus stop two houses down the street from us, so this is convenient for mom!
Shelby's arm and hand strength seems to be getting closer to normal. Her hamstring flexibility is also getting much better. The stretching seems to be relaxing for her, and it's nice bonding time for the both of us at night especially.
Next weekend we are going to Sioux Falls for a concert, Grandma & Grandpa Baatz will babysit that night. The following day we will celebrate by 30th (I almost typed 20th, ha!) birthday. Well actually the celebration isn't until Saturday, and it's not just for my birthday either. Mom has invited a group of our childhood friends and cousins. I am looking forward to seeing them all again, of course it's been way too long. The kids are looking forward to seeing their grandparents and cousins again.
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Page created 04/06/2000 last updated 06/19/2001.