Arthritis - anyone any experiences?

[Pebs]

....especially with children/as a child yourselves?

It looks as though Daisy has some kind of arthritis on her hands and feet and is having a lot of difficulty walking, can't run, can't do stairs easily etc. We've literally just found out and the intermaweb has been helpful but ultimately depressing and I'd far rather hear someone say 'Ive got it/had it, this is how it was for me'.

Shes got an appointment for blood tests and xrays just before New Year so will have a definitive diagnosis then but looking at the websites I'd hazard a guess that it's the poly-thingy one.

Ugh I feel sick

[Haly]

That's awful *hugs*
My Dad had rheumatoid arthritis primarily in his elbows and knees, and had various different drugs. So I might be able to help But obviously my Dad didn't have it till he was 58 so rather different than in children.
Anything I can help with or answer though, let me know If I don't know the answer, my Mum will as she knows huge amounts about it all!

*hugs again to you both*

[lostkat]

Oh God, I really don't know what to say Really keeping everything crossed for as positive outcome as possible in terms of what can be done etc. Poor little bab. x

[Desmo]

Pebs, has this been confirmed or is it just a self/internet diagnosis type thing? I know you're not daft, but we can all read too much in to these things. Try not to worry too much until there's been a proper check up

[Pebs]

She's seen a GP tonight, he said arthritis. There are different types hence why she is having blood tests and xrays. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and all that jazz so I'm not looking at the internet too much (well, trying). She has hot swellings in her feet and wrists, can't flex her feet at any time of day and can't unurl her hands in the mornings for several hours.
She just bent over in front of me and asked me to rub her back and one of the bobbles in her spine is also swollen. I poked all the way down her back and that bit hurts (I didnt tell her there was anything wrong). Will call the GP in the morning.

[Desmo]

Originally Posted by Pebs

She's seen a GP tonight, he said arthritis.

Sorry, I've got no experience of anything like it. I know my nan had it and my mother also has a mild case in her hands and shoulder, but I'm sure neither had it as a child although I will ask tomorrow

[Mark]

Really sorry to hear that Pebs. Poor Daisy.

Many moons ago when I were a lad at school I had a friend there who had early-onset Arthritis, and it was just about manageable for him with drugs.

As you say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing indeed and there are specialists in this sort of thing so hopefully they can find the cause and get it at least under some semblance of control as quickly as possible. Don't take no **** though - if the NHS try to mess you around as they sometimes do then give them what for.

You know where we are of course. *hugs*

[Pebs]

Thanks Mark. We do actually have private cover via MtE and we went tonight to ask for a referral. Daisy saw a Dr a couple of weeks back for the same thing and was fobbed off with 'she need insoles in her shoes'. It's taken me this long to get another appointment and private wont see her without a referral from a GP. Saw the HeadHonchoGP tonight who took it all very seriously and scooted off to find out what paediatricians do what etc. The main private chap is also the NHS chap and he said due to the time of year it's unlikely she'll get seen sooner than the 30th. Like I said I'll confirm that but he's given Daisy enough pain relief to last the 2 weeks until then if not.

[Matblack]

Originally Posted by Pebs

The main private chap is also the NHS chap

This happens a lot more than you'd expect, the best treatment Mum has received has been exactly the treatment she would have got on the NHS in fact all her recent treatment has been at NHS centres with NHS doctors. She said that you are in the best place for both treatment and support being near to London.

MB

[Mark]

Insoles isn't a bad suggestion but get advice on proper orthotic insoles rather than just getting cheapo high street ones, and for the benefit of the Dr. concerned, that should be considered in addition to medical care, not instead of.