Last August I took Rowan to the most amazing Chiropractor. She knew our story, and had actually spoken to others, in her profession, about certain adjustments being a successful "cure" to PFAPA. We took him twice that first month, and when the time came for the fever to return, I held my breath. That first month the same symptoms started- joint pain, mouth sores, irritability, nausea, fever. I was so upset, thinking that it wasn't going to work. However, his fever never went over 102! I started second-guessing myself, thinking maybe it was a virus or something else. It was such a mild episode. He was back to "normal" and acting like himself in three days. THREE DAYS!!! I started to have hope! I took him back the next month, and when it was time for another episode, it never came. Same the next month, and the next, and then our amazing Dr. suggested that we come in once a month for "maintenance." Yep, that's right... we now only go once a month, and he absolutely LOVES going.
Rowan has been fever free for an entire year!
I write that statement with so many emotions. I never thought I would be able to. I remember that when we were in the middle of an episode, it felt like the rest of the world just kept going, and we were stuck in this horrible dream state. I was terrified thinking about his lack of weight gain, his health, his mental wellbeing, and what the future held. I KNOW how blessed we are to have found something that works for him. I STILL wait every month to see if it comes. I also know that it may not last forever. However, for now, I can breathe a little easier when the time passes, and the fever doesn't come.
I do believe that he had fever-less episodes, some more painful than others. He has had ONE small fever since they stopped- and that was this past month, when all three of my little ones caught hand, foot, mouth. His was the most mild out of the three.
Of course I have questioned wether it was just a huge coincidence, and he just happened to outgrow it at that time, but I have to believe that chiropractic care is what has helped him. He is a different child. He is happy and spunky, even a little feisty at times! He has gained weight and is growing like a weed. His night terrors have become almost non existent. He still complains about knee pain around the time he would have had an episode, but now we get his knee adjusted as well, and it helps so much.
I wanted to share this with all the moms, dads, grandparents, family members and friends of those who suffer with PFAPA. Maybe this is the answer for your loved one too. It can't hurt to try. It is the LEAST intrusive thing we have tried. I only wish we would have tried it earlier. I promise to continue to keep posting, although it hopefully will be uneventful posts from now on. Praying you all get your "cure" soon too.
Here are some pics of my little guy and his fever free days!
Playing outside in the water to beat this terrible heat!
Waiting for dinner while on our beach vacation! It was amazing to be able to plan a vacation without worrying about timing.
Heading to breakfast while on our beach vacation!
Getting an adjustment from our amazing Chiropractor and wonderful friend- after his birthday party! She fixed his knee after a fun filled day of water sliding. Look how relaxed he is! She is our angel!
Rowan hanging out with his sister and brother. So very thankful for this!
