ELISE

Elise was born with a couple of congenital heart defects that kept her in ICU for four days. Over the last four years, one of the heart conditions healed itself and the remaining hole is still prevalent, but recent tests show that her ECG and EKG “do not match the little thriving girl.”

We took her again to BC Children’s Hospital when other symptoms were occuring. Some were pointing to possible heart complications, but after four hours of tests, the cardiology team said that although the hole is there, she is fine!

After four physicians, many x-rays, blood work, etc. (not a peep from our little hero – she even offered to give instructions on how to take blood!) we got a diagnosis. She has juvenile arthritis in seven joints.

Because of the arthritis, Elise has to endure:

• Weekly injections of methotrexate, a drug that is used in cancer treatment. Every Friday is needle and treat day… Mummy gets to dress up in a mask, gown and white gloves and then Elise gets a treat!
• Weekly blood work to check her liver and other things because this drug substantially drops her white cell count and she is susceptible to a lot of “bugs”
• Daily meds including ibuprofen, prednisone, and folic acid.

I have to share that we are inspired by our little five-year-old to just “deal with it” and accept and do everything we can to fight this disease. She is amazing and we are very lucky. We have seen some amazing children with terrible diseases and Elise has been their comic relief in hospital. Maybe she will have a cure and end up being “Patch Adams” for other sick children.