World Young Rheumatic Disease Day: Reid's Story

We are celebrating and raising awareness of Young Rheumatic Diseases today at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. Hear from Mum, Zoe, about her wee boy Reid’s journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), and how Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity have helped the family.

Reid's Hospital Journey

When he was around 18 months, Reid’s parents noticed the toddler was unable to bear weight on, or straighten, his right leg. Along with his knee becoming swollen and red, they brought Reid into the children’s hospital in Glasgow. At 2 years old, an MRI revealed the diagnosis of JIA.

Now aged 10, Reid receives annual joint injections which proved short term pain relief, along with a weekly injection of methotrexate (MTX). He has recently undergone a contrast MRI to help the family find a new treatment plan to hopefully give Reid more long-term relief, allowing him to get back to his happy, active self.

How Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity Have Helped

Due to regular hospital stays and appointments, Reid and his family have benefitted from a range of charity-funded projects. Zoe has shared:

“We have had wonderful experiences with the Play Team during Reid’s visits. They are fantastic at putting his mind at ease and keeping him busy and distracted.

We have also been supported by the Teddy Hospital after Reid developed a fear of needles and cannulas. He was able to explore the equipment and was even given his own monkey who had his very own cannula fitted.

He loves to watch a DVD during his MRI scans, which really helps to keep him distracted. At Reid’s most recent scan, his movie of choice was the Simpsons!”

Raising Awareness of Rheumatic Diseases

Reid loves to share his story and raise awareness with anyone who gives him the time to listen. Zoe also shares some of the advice she would give to parents and families in a similar situation:

“Things can and do change quickly, how resilient our JIA warriors are. It’s not just the child with JIA affected it has an impact on the full family unit."

"Don’t look too far ahead, find a positive in every day, and take care of yourself too. Ask questions and advocate, no one knows your child like you do."

Zoe, Reid's Mum

"It may seem scary and daunting right now, but you aren’t alone, and things do get better. Remission is only the right treatment away.”