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Forums » General Health » General health issues
 JRA |
| Posted On Sep 8, 2008 at 11:50 PM |
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Sing4hymn
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Joined: Sep 8, 2008
Last Visit: Oct 6, 2008
Posts: 2
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Hi! Was just wondering if anyone here has had experience with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis? I think my 9 y/o daughter may have this.
The reason being very consistant joint pain, that seems to be excelerating lately, particularly in her shoulders, hips and ankles. It is so hard to see her hurting!  I feel pretty helpless.
We had been told by a pedorthist that she thinks my daughter has CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) or peroneal muscular atrophy.
I have a Dr.'s appt. in a couple of weeks to see, but am wondering what non-steroidal options we would have for pain management, among other things, if it turns out to be JRA. I don't like what I'm reading about the side effects the meds have, in suppressing the immune system, either.
We already use heat, massage and pressure point therapies, as needed, but I want to put off as much joint damage as possible, so am not sure what to do there.
Be it prayers and/or  helpful suggestions, I'd be grateful for either! 
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| Re: JRA |
| Posted On Sep 9, 2008 at 7:43 AM |
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molivier
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Joined: Mar 13, 2008
Last Visit: Oct 30, 2008
Posts: 8
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The distribution of pain you describe and age of your daughter do not go along with Charcot Marie Tooth disease. I wouldn't entertain that diagnosis as a possibility.
If your daughter has a fever, is limping, has swollen or red joints she does need to see a doctor.
Once you have an accurate diagnosis we'll be happy to advise you further.
Blessings,
Last edited on Sep 9, 2008 at 7:44 AM by molivier.
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Michael Olivier, M.D.
Medical Director,
Black Hills Health and Education Center
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| Re: JRA |
| Posted On Sep 9, 2008 at 8:31 AM |
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Elana
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Joined: Mar 17, 2008
Last Visit: Nov 18, 2008
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I'm not a medical person, but I can sure pray for you and your daughter. I'm sure it is more difficult to watch a loved one in agony, than to be in agony yourself. I'm a Mom too. I'll also pray for guidance for the Doctors treating your daughter.
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| Re: JRA |
| Posted On Oct 6, 2008 at 10:14 PM |
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Sing4hymn
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Joined: Sep 8, 2008
Last Visit: Oct 6, 2008
Posts: 2
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Thanks for the prayers and input. She was tested for arthritis and the results are negative. That's where the DR. wants to leave it, but she still has pain. Any ideas on what else might cause joint pain in a 6 - 9 y/o? The shoulders and the ankles seem to have the worst of it. I don't know what else would cause this? I have tried Chiropractic care, though limited due to put of pocket cost. It didn't seem to do much for her. Maybe I'll try another Chiro. Am looking for another pediatrician, also.
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| Re: JRA |
| Posted On Oct 7, 2008 at 10:12 AM |
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molivier
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Joined: Mar 13, 2008
Last Visit: Oct 30, 2008
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Hello again,
While I am happy that the arthritis work up was negative, I sympathize with your sense of helplessness and frustruation.
I would like to tell you that your daughter is having growing pains, because the age is consistent (they generally strike during two periods: in early childhood, among 3- to 5-year-olds, and later on, in 8- to 12-year-olds), but the areas affected are not (growing pains always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids report pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees.)
So it is just as much a quandary to me as to the source of the joint pain as you are.
Assuming your doctor has done all the appropriate tests to rule out not just JRA, but other autoimmune diseases (such as SLE, dermatomyositis, etc.), infection (toxic synovitis or joint pain after a viral infection), gout, and injury. Such tests would include blood work and x-rays.
If you're not satisfied with your doctor's work up, I would ask for a referral to a rheumatologist.
Another test though controversial that I believe is worth obtaining is a comprehensive food allergy test.
We would be happy to accomodate your daughter here for care. Lifestyle changes combined with stress-relief counseling, massage, hydrotherapy, and evidence based herbs can often be a winning combination for individuals with chronic joint pain.
Blessings
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Michael Olivier, M.D.
Medical Director,
Black Hills Health and Education Center
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