I recently asked my group of Juvenile Arthritis moms what they would like the rest of the world to know. Here are a few replies:
“Don’t give my child any meds if they’re at your house. That should go without saying…” Apparently it doesn’t.
“That your child can NOT catch it from my child! That my child may not be able to run and keep up with your child but she desperately wants to. Teach your child to slow down a little and meet in the middle!”
“This one is my favorite: ‘Oh, don’t worrrrry.. I’m sure she’ll just grow out of it.’ I can’t stand it when well meaning people tell me THAT.” My mom’s doctor even told her that about Marty. Gah
“So many, many things. My top one is that it’s not the same as osteoarthritis.”
“don’t second guess my decisions unless you’ve heard our whole story and PAID ATTENTION like you would if it were your child knocking on deaths door. I’m not being a drama queen or a bummer. It’s my life and I just shared a bit.”
“Germs DO matter. Stay home if you’re sick. ” Our kids have immune system problems, and don’t need your cold.
“Simple one … just because she doesn’t ‘look’ sick doesn’t mean she isn’t!! Believe me when I say she DOES have an issue.” I get this one all the time.
Anything you would like to add?