Julius

Julius in April 2011

Julius is a 16 year old man who has spent the last 3 years at St Martin de Porres Hospital as a patient.  Julius has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and has suffered with recurrent open leg sores that have kept him from going home.  He has been in he surgical ward but over the last year I have occasionally seen Julius for a new medical issue.  Despite crippling effects from his arthritis there were never any medications available to treat his JRA.  I consulted several Doctors at home and those here on short term visits and was able to secure some Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug used to treat JRA.  We got Julius started on medications in June and very quickly began to see his leg wounds improve along with reduction in his joint pains and swelling.

Julius is a very engaging young man and has become a fixture at the hospital.  He has befriended many of the visiting Doctors and Nurses.  Despite his debilitating illness, years of painful dressing changes and confinement to his bed and wheelchair he has kept a smile on his face and a cheerful disposition.  The medical team from Belgium who was here last month introduced a wound care ointment consisting of honey and vaseline.  In 2 weeks time Julius’ wounds made  enough further improvement that he was able to be discharged this week.  He will remain on his methotrexate and hopefully enjoy life back at home with his family.

Julius Headed Home