- Ryder has had 5 relapses (a relapse is any recurrence of protein in his urine, which we check daily) since his diagnosis in April, making him an official "frequent relapser". Not a great thing to be.
- His body still responds well to the treatment (prednisone, a.k.a steroids) This is a very good thing. But he has been on Prednisone more than he has been off of it this last year, and this can/will cause a host of problems if we don't address it.
- Sooo, Plan B would be to consider Therapy with Tacrolimus (Prograf), an immunosuppressant. I would like to avoid this route if possible.
- For whatever reason, (no one knows why, but very common in Minimal Change) illnesses trigger a relapse, so you can imagine how hard it is to keep this kid relapse-free during cold and flu season!
- We have started yet another course of the steroids this week (in the middle of the last course), as he has been "spilling" protein for the last 5 days. This is our last ditch effort with the steroids. I am hoping to get through the cold and flu season and have a healthy summer and not have to do the Tacrolimus therapy.
- This is a disease that children "outgrow". No one know how, why or when, they just do. So for that I am thankful. I just pray its sooner rather than later!
Ry is such a cool kid, and has been such a trooper through all of these trials in his short 7 yrs. I love him more than life, and continue to pray for miracles! So if you think about it, maybe you could send a few prayers upwards too? :)
P.S. If anyone has any knowledge, opinions, or insight on the Tacrolimus therapy, PLEASE share....via email, telephone, comment, whatever.....I would be ever so grateful. :)
P.S.S. Did you know today, March 10th is World Kidney Day? Me neither, but now we all know.
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