My 4 Year Old Grandson Being Tested For Arthritis

[Sage Hen]

Hi Everyone,

My grandson, is only 4 and is being tested for Lupus, R.A. and other Arthritis types. About a year ago, he started waking my daughter up in the night with leg pains. My daughter took him to their family doctor. The Dr. seemed to think the pains were growing pains.

Fast forward this year..He is waking up again in the night with leg pains. My daughter took him back to the same G.P., and was again told pains were growing pains. My daughter persisted, telling the Dr. about my having lupus and related conditions. She also, reported to the Dr. that Garrett's grandfather on his father's side has Myathenia Gravis.

The Dr. did an exam is found edema in my grandson's knee joints. :( He wants to see Garrett on New Years eve, to do bloodwork. It will be another two weeks after that before we get test results back..

Please, keep my little guy in your thoughts. I being his grandmother, am just beside myself, thinking of the possibility he may have some kind of Arthritis. He is a cranky little man..Maybe, that is why?

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for children to have Lupus, or other forms of Arthritis. I feel so badly for any child that suffers with any Chronic illness.

Thank You, for reading my post. It is so helpful, to be able to share my concerns with all of you. I hope the New Year finds you all feeling pain free, and happy.

I posted a picture of Garrett, with his grandfather in his cowboy outfit in the gallery.

Love,
Sandy

[BigSis]

I have my fingers crossed for your little man.
Hope you get some answers soon and they are the ones you want.

BigSis x

[keebler]

(((Sandy)))

I am sorry that your little grandson is having problems.:(
I hate to see little ones hurting. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Garrett will be in my prayers. Please try to take care of yourself too.
Love,
Lyn

[Maia]

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I agree, it's awful thinking of a child growing up with any form of arthritis. This touches close to home as I have an almost 3 year old at home, and of course there is always some worry about her developing some rheumatological disease.

I have never heard of 3 year old's having growing pains either! Teenagers yes - so good for them for pushing ahead to get his complaints taken seriously.

You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers.

[pedro]

I am so sorry to hear of your little one having problems. It is very difficult to deal with, I know, as I work with kids who have disabilities. It is a huge worry for families and my heart goes out to you and your daughter.
It is amazing how resislient children are once treatment is found!!! The children I work with never cease to amaze me on a daily basis on how well they cope and how happy they are. They show me what true character is everyday.
The testing, waiting, etc. can be very difficult and I hope you get some answers soon.
blessings...
let us know how it goes.
Pedro (Nancy)

[julsie]

Sandy,
I'm so sorry your grandson is having problems.If it is of any help,my five year old has the same problems,leg pains,but he has tested negative for arthritis so fingers crossed!thinking of you,
Julsie

[greenhaggis]

My feelings are with you!

My 2nd child has suffered with so called 'growing pains' since age 4 (he's now nearly 8). When he was 4 he went through a stage of not being able to walk without collapsing. After x-ray and one doctor seeing a gap near hip area (possibly indicating Perthes Disease), a couple of doctors arguing about what he may or may not have he was discharged and we were told it was all just down to a virus (bloods did show low white platlets), or just a normal child walking gate.

3.5 years on a he still had problems with pains,occassionly loss of power in legs when running, also felt like a dead weight to lift. A very very reluctant GP did refer our son to another Consultant and made us feel like hypo parents. Since then he has been diagnosed with hypermobility (over flexing muscles) - all my sons have this. Apparently he has damaged many muscles which are now to tight and hurt him during the day then ache badly at night. Main muscle problems are in legs, ankles, thighs, groin, back, stomach and feet. He has to do physio exercises every day and a physio attends our house once a week. He also has inserts in his shoes to help keep his balance straight (flat feet, due to hypermobility). The phsysio did say that growing pains do exists but can feel worse if a childs body is under strain.

Good luck with search for an answer!

[karen.w.]

(((sandy)))

I am so sorry to hear about your grandsons problems..

I will keep little garrett in my thoughts & pray he will be ok..what an awful worry for you & your family..

sending you all lot´s of love & hugs :grouphug2:
please keep us updated..will keep my fingers crossed.
luv karen x

[lupie lou]

Hi Sandy

Awww Bless him I to would be beside meself with worry if it was one of me grandchildren.... I will keep legs fingers and every think else crossed for Garret please keep us informed, and hope all goes well for him
Hugs Lou xxx