My son just diagnosed with JIA

Jessi_cacaca

Hi, my 13 year old son was diagnosed with JIA yesterday. He's a very active child but has struggled with knee pain and swelling for a while and the doctor suggested it was due to growing pains. Then he started having problems with his elbow so he had xrays and yesterday saw a paediatric rheumatologist. She gave him the diagnosis we feared and gave him steroid injections in his knee and elbow. He's in a lot of pain today from the injections but we're hopeful they will help with the swelling and allow him to remain active. It's a lot to take in for all of us so I'm grateful to find a community like this where I can find out more information - thank you! Jess

Louisa77

Hi @Jessi_cacaca

Welcome to the Online Community.

Sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis, I'm sure it's a worrying time for you all.

We have an amazing Young People and Families team which would be a really useful team for you to reach out to as well, you can contact them by emailing ypfsuk@versusarthritis.org.

We have lots of information on our website which you might useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/young-people/?_ga=2.141832177.278105545.1660031741-2109069360.1657004055

I'm sure other members will be along to offer some support too.

all the best with everything, I hope you get the help and support

Louisa

stickywicket

I really feel for you on two counts.

1. I was diagnosed with RA aged 15.
2. My elder son developed Osgood-Schlatter disease aged 13.

You can imagine how I felt about the latter wondering if it might somehow morph into RA. It didn't and he has continued to be a sporting fanatic.

I think your son is a bit different. JIA can go away and can certainly give periods of remission. With modern Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) the outlook is much better now than it was in my early years. (None-the-less I've had a very good life) Remaining active is essential for all of us. Sometimes we have to modify our activities and that's really tough on kids. I can't imagine telling my 13yr old (today) grandson that he can no longer play baseball. It was hard enough telling his Dad he'd have to miss half a cricket season. But activity and sport are good. It's just high impact that can cause problems. I'm sure your son's rheumatologist will have some good advice.

It's a very tough diagnosis for parents too. We will be here to help.