Some times the rheumatology team will admit a child to hospital so that they can have access to several therapies. Seeing a child over several days also enables the team to get a better picture of how your child is managing. Somehow it is always you who ends up having to carry everything back to […]
What Is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Chronic pain in children and teenagers can lead to severe disability. This is particularly true when kids give up activities because the pain overwhelms them. A recent study has shown that children and teenagers living with chronic pain have experienced less pain and better functioning after being treated with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). So […]
How Food And Family Help To Cope With Chronic Pain
I’ve been putting off setting up my daughters medication box for a few days. I think the reason I put off focusing on the medications is that while I am doing it I have to really concentrate on each pill, the dose and the regularity. I worry about the effect the medications are having on […]
Your Own Free Library Service – PMH Library
I dropped by the library at PMH today and spoke with Helen the librarian. Together we reviewed the collection on arthritis and parenting children with a chronic conditon. I borrowed a book called The Resilient Family -Living with your child’s illness or disability. Helen told me the parenting books are frequently borrowed as they are […]
What Does Coping with Chronic Pain Look Like?
I recently attended a workshop by the psychologist and trauma counselling specialist Michael Tunnicliffe. He said that he is sometimes called to events like bank robberies, mine accidents or shootings where people are shocked and distressed. He told us that usually he is taken to the person showing most outward signs of distress. This person […]
Who Is Your Rheumatology Liaison Nurse?
Debbie Tunbridge is the Rheumatology Liaison Nurse for the Rheumatology Department at PMH. She has held this position for several years and is very experienced in the management of rheumatological conditions. Parents can call Debbie if your child is a patient of the Rheumatology Department and – you have a question about your child’s condition […]
Chronic Pain Support in Group Sessions
I had an email from fellow rheumatology frequent flyer today. Rona has two daughters who attend the hydrotherapy sessions on Wednesday at the Arthritis Foundation. She had seen first hand how valuable it is for people to meet others who are going through a similar experience. “We had some new faces in our aqua class […]
Important Message for Parents of Children With A Chronic Condition
Do you think of the needs of your child before you think about yourself? Do you find it hard to make time for what is important to you? Do you find yourself being grumpy more that you want to be? My friend told me about a dream she had. It struck me that this story […]
Pain Flare Ups: Is It A Medical Crisis or A Management Crisis?
There is something in the universal law of rheumatology that says that flare ups occur late on a Friday or on the week-end. You have a child climbing up the walls, your whole household is on edge and Monday seems too far away. The official advice is “if you are worried – go to emergency”. […]
Ice Breaking: Assisting Children During Hospital Stays
Whether you are a constant bedside parent or a visit after work parent you can do several things that improve the hospital stay experience for you and your child. I don’t always have the energy to do these things but I know they work. Supplies Leave you and your partners favoured coffee mug along with […]