Stacey
Stacey is Bradley’s mum. Bradley has enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). She was devastated when Bradley was diagnosed but is pleased with his healthcare team and how well the methotrexate has worked.
Stacey is Bradley’s mum. Bradley has enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Bradley was fourteen at the time of the interview and was diagnosed when he was twelve.
Bradley first had a problem with his elbow. He had difficulties doing his tie for school. Stacey assumed that he slept funny and thought nothing of it. Several weeks later Bradley’s ankle swelled and he struggled to walk. Stacey thought that he twisted his ankle. Bradley’s groin then became swollen. It was at this point that Stacey knew there’s something really wrong her and took him to Accident and Emergency (A&E).
The doctor in A&E said that Bradley had pulled a muscle. They gave him painkillers and sent him home. When the swelling did not go down Stacey took Bradley back to A&E. Bradley had an x-ray but nothing was found. Stacey felt that the A&E staff did not know what they were looking for. They said he had a pulled muscle and sent him home on crutches. Stacey was unhappy and paid to see a doctor privately. The doctor said that Bradley needed surgery. Bradley’s parents were not convinced that surgery was the answer so they paid again to see another doctor privately. The doctor did an aspiration of Bradley’s groin and first suspected that he had gout. He referred Bradley to hospital for further tests. Bradley stayed there for a week and was given painkillers which did help with the pain. His symptoms got worse. He developed swelling in his elbow and leg. Stacey said that it was frustratin and soul destroyin waiting for a diagnosis. Several different doctors in hospital saw Bradley. One suspected that he had arthritis. He referred Bradley to a specialist children’s hospital. At the hospital a rheumatologist conducted various tests and diagnosed Bradley with arthritis.
Stacey said was devastate when Bradley was diagnosed. She thought Bradley might end up in a wheelchair. She also tried to remain practical and said now I have the diagnosis we need to face it, we need to deal with i. Bradley was given methotrexate to take. Although he was often sick after taking his medication the arthritis has improved. Stacey said it doesn’t affect his life. He’s walking, he’s running, he’s playing football twice a week [ he’s in remission so we just thank the methotrexat.
Stacey had lots of positive things to say about Bradley’s healthcare team. She said she was pleased with how quick the consultant diagnosed Bradley. She said that she gets good information from the consultant and nurse. She sometimes goes to the clinic with a list of questions which she gets answers to. Stacey likes the fact that the consultant talks to Bradley directly. Stacey said, I feel like we;re not just a statisti.