Field trips turn monthly treatments into an adventure for child with dermatomyositis

A mother's instinct is powerful – and often right.

When her 5-year-old son began having frequent rashes and joint pain, Stacey Offerdahl believed they were symptoms of something bigger. Doctors started treating her son, Lane, with steroids to reduce inflammation. But the symptoms continued. Lane is active – playing with animals on the family farm outside Park Rapids, Minn., and competing in several sports, including wrestling.

Despite starting treatment, he was slowing down. Stacey knew it was time to revisit their family doctor. Lab work showed that Lane likely had a rare muscle disorder, called juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

If Lane had JDM, Stacey knew they would need a specialist familiar with rare diseases. Enter Pediatric Rheumatologist Bryce Binstadt, MD, PhD, at M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic – Woodbury. The family drove hours across Minnesota for their first appointment. When they arrived, Lane was so weak that he could barely lift his head.

Binstadt immediately admitted Lane to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital – which became a turning point in his care.

"The nurses at Masonic Children’s Hospital were amazing. They took wonderful care of us,” said Stacey. “They educated us about Lane’s condition and worked with us to create a treatment plan.”