Dominic

Dominic

Hi, my name is Dominic. I turned 5 on February 20/07 and was diagnosed with JDM on April 23/07. I live in Scarborough, Ontario with my Nana.

I am starting Kindergarten in September and I am really looking forward to it. When I was diagnosed Nana had to take me out of daycare so I miss playing with my friends.

I really like Spiderman. He is my favourite character. I want to be just like him when I grow up. Spiderman 2 is my favourite movie. I also enjoy playing with trains and cars. My favourite train is Thomas the Tank Engine.

In March I got a rash on my face that the doctor thought was exzema, it then spread to my knuckles, elbows and knees. Then I started losing my strength. It took almost 2 months before I was diagnosed at Sick Kids Hospital. I spent two weeks in the hospital then because I couldn't get up on my own and I was choking.

While I continue to have problems with choking and I don't have the stamina I used to, my strength is coming back and the rash is totally gone. I now also have high blood pressure that the doctor says is caused by the Prednisone. I still take Prednisone, but it is slowly being cut back. I also take Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Lactulose, Amlodipine, Vitamin D and Calcium, plus IVIG bi-weekly right now. The IVIG is going to be monthly by the end of September.

I hope they find a cure for this disease soon.