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nanci

Posted Thursday, November 06, 2003 12:05 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:33 PM
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Hello! I have an almost 5 year old son who has been complaining of joint pain (mostly ankles and knees) for the past 2 years. Last year we went to the doc and had bloodwork done. I think it was ANA, rhumatoid factor, and sed rate. The ANA was neg, the rfac was 26??, and the sed rate was "showing some signs of inflammation". OK, so what do I ask the doc for this time?? My poor sweet Griffin, he never complains, but sometimes has to just sit down and watch others play. In the am he wants to be carried to the couch. It just is my gut instinct, but things haven't been "normal" for a long time!! He also wakes crying on/off since he was a babe...usually 3-20 times and night saying "owwie" and then falls back to sleep. Does he sound like a kid with JA to you?? So glad I found a place with so much experience and wisdom!! Thanks in advance for your advice!! Nanci

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TerryB

Posted Thursday, November 06, 2003 4:14 AM

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The only way to really know is to see a Pediatric Rheumatologist. I would ask for a referral. You need a diagnosis one way or another and it does sound suspicious to me. Blood work is not a reliable way to rule out arthritis; the clinical presentation is real important.

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ElizabethSimpkins

Posted Thursday, November 06, 2003 5:37 AM

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Nanci: His symptoms do sound like a child w/ JRA. I would push to see a Pediatric Rheumy. Have you noticed any swlling?

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nanci

Posted Thursday, November 06, 2003 8:27 AM

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Thanks for responding. No, his knees look big...really skinny boy with "knobby" knees, but not a lot of swelling. His pain seems a lot worse after he's been sick. He probably complains about 200/365 days. It's better during swimming season. Hmmmm...just looking for answers to his unexplained pain. What's new is occasional back pain...midback.

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AmyB

Posted Thursday, November 06, 2003 7:48 PM

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Nanci, I think you need to get to a Pediatric Rhuem. right away. It can take a while to get an appointment. Before my diagnosis, my daughter had very similar symptoms, wanted to be carried, not sleeping through the night. My doctor kept telling me it was growing pains. One thing to look for is fevers and rash and be sure to tell the Ped. Rhuem. Good luck and keep us posted. Amy

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rabbjbmom

Posted Friday, November 07, 2003 6:01 AM

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Last Login: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:38 AM
Posts: 355, Visits: 10

Nanci, people here are right -a pediatric rheumatologist knows about the way children present and the diseases they get that adults don't. However, I would add that the doctor should be board certified because that means that they have taken a test and continue to be educated in the field. This is of paramount importance because of constant changes in the field. Also, make the appointment asap because first appointments are very difficult to get. Then, once you have the appointment call weekly and politely but firmly ask if there have been any cancellations. If you get one, take it. I don't care what you have to cancel, who you have to not see, or what you have to do. When you see the rheumy you frequently do not get a diagnosis at first. There are tests to be run and also the meds don't act quickly. But, there are things you can do to make your child more comfortable and this is a great site to learn about those. Finally, when you go on this journey and it gets frustrating and frightening at first, know that you have friends here and that you are doing the right thing for your child. Keep in touch. We know and we care.

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