As I stated in a previous blog 9th grade proved to be a tough year for Colleen. She had to go on homebound after one month of school. She woke up one night and couldn't really move. A couple of days later she had petechiae all over her chest and body. Petechiae looks like a small rash. In Colleens case it is a sign that her platelets are dangerously low. I rushed her to Rileys Children's hospital in Indianapolis. Dr. Hill decided to put her on homebound because he didn't want to take a chance on her getting bumped in the stomach or head and bleeding to death before anyone noticed. After some blood test she was referred to another specialist Dr. Bowyer (wonderful lady) eventually Colleen was diagnosed with JRA (juvenile arthritis) and fibromyalgia. Of course with her blood disorder the majority of meds for the arthritis was a big NO NO! So she was put into intense physical and occupational therapy-- the Karens! The two Karens have improved Colleens quality of life tremendously!
The 2 pictures below are Colleen riding the people mover at the hospital between our hotel and the Childrens clinic. It was usually the high light of her visits.
Colleen was able to stay on track with her school work with the help of her tutor Mr. Trent. So luckily Colleen will enter her 10th grade year with her classmates.