Hi IMs, it looks like we're headed down the path to a possible juvenile arthritis diagnosis for our 2yo daughter. The signs are certainly pointed that way - she's had a worsening limp and stiffness every morning and after every nap, swelling and warmth in her knee joints (one knee is huge at the moment!), and swollen finger joints as well. My husband and I are very upset, and our hearts break at the thought that she's facing a childhood of drugs and pain. Xrays showed no fractures and now we're waiting on blood test results. We're new to all this of course and just looking for some reassurance and guidance through other IM's stories. How long does the diagnostic process take (especially when we live away from specialists)? Will she be able to stay the active bright kid that she's always been? What advice can you offer? We're trying not to get ahead of ourselves and wait for a proper diagnosis but I can't see this being anything else and want to start helping her now not months later when a diagnosis might be given. Her stiffness and swelling is getting worse and I want to be able to do more than worry and give her lots of cuddles. Thanks for reading x
2 Replies
Sorry I can't offer any advice other than I can relate (Different diagnosis etc) but can remember that emotional ride.
Good luck x
I have recently been diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis and swear as a child / teenager had the early signs. As an adult their are some days that just really suck the cold really effects me aswell so i try and keep as warm as poss. Make sure you find a dr you can really trust also do your research their are alot of natural suppliments that your can take to help suport her body fish oil, glucosomine and tumeric for a start. Also make sure your find out which arthritis it is osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by old age where as rhuematoid arthritis is cause by an over active immune system. The usual treatment for rhuematoid is immunosuppressants. Me personally it took 18mths of test to be diagnosed and ive just finished 12mths of treatment some days are good others are not so. Treatment has reduced the swelling and some soreness but mostly slowed it progressing to other joints in my body. All the best for your daughter i find it hard on my bad days i could imagine this is a 2yr old.