Worried about my 18 year old daughter

mandy_b1967

My daughter is 18 years old and has had pain in her back for quite a hwile now. We saw the GP and he sent her for physio after trying numerous painkillers.

The physio told her that she has little back muscle and needs to excersise to build them up. She asked the physio if it could be arthritis as there is a family history of it. She was told that she was too young!!

We went back to the gp and asked the same question of him, he said that she was a bit young but after she has finished her 6 sessions with the physio (she has 3 more to do) he would get a report at which stage he would probably send her for a back x-ray and possibly sent her to a rheumy.

The physio has told her that she has little movement between the vertibra and that she needs to get them moving. She does excerises twice a day, but struggles with them.

This morning she got up and has alot of pain in one of her hips. She could hardly walk but as she had an exam in college she had to get moving.

I am very worried that this is more that "little muscle" and that it sounds like arthur?? what do you think??
thank you
Mandy

woodbon

It must be very worrying for you. People do have arthritis at a young age, some of them on this site. Their is a Young persons formum here, that may be of some help to both of you.

If your daugter is in a lot more pain, maybe her GP can refer her to a rheumatologist.

I'm sure someone who has experience of this problem will be along soon, they can help you more, as I'm 53!!! Welcome, glad you found the site. Yours Sue

elnafinn

Hi Mandy

I am 58 years old but if my daughter was telling me the same as you are posting here then I would be back to the gp double quick with her and asking for xrays to be done and a blood test for RA and perhaps an appointment with a rheumatologist, depending on the outcome of the xrays and blood test but of course still continue with the physio.

Your daughter is unfortunately not to young to be diagnosed with arthritis and please do not let anyone fob you off with that one. Those that are NOT in the know, even say that to patients who are much older than your daughter. How can they presume on age alone? The fact that it is in the family should make your gp sit up a little more and get things moving. Better safe than sorry, I always say.

Good idea to have a read of some of the threads on the "youngsters" forum. That will arm you with more knowledge and consequently give you more confidence when talking to the gp.

I wish you well and please let us know how your daughter gets on.

Luv
Elna x

mandy_b1967

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Mandy

I am 58 years old but if my daughter was telling me the same as you are posting here then I would be back to the gp double quick with her and asking for xrays to be done and a blood test for RA and perhaps an appointment with a rheumatologist, depending on the outcome of the xrays and blood test but of course still continue with the physio.

Your daughter is unfortunately not to young to be diagnosed with arthritis and please do not let anyone fob you off with that one. Those that are NOT in the know, even say that to patients who are much older than your daughter. How can they presume on age alone? The fact that it is in the family should make your gp sit up a little more and get things moving. Better safe than sorry, I always say.

Good idea to have a read of some of the threads on the "youngsters" forum. That will arm you with more knowledge and consequently give you more confidence when talking to the gp.

I wish you well and please let us know how your daughter gets on.

Luv
Elna x

Thank you Elna

I have been refered to a rheumatoligist and have to go back next week for results. I think I have AS but we will see what the dr says. My dad has OA and I have this in my wrist caused by a break.

It took me 3 years to make them listen to me but I can assure you my daughter wont be waiting that long cos I now know what I'm talking about if you see what I mean? As for my daughter the doctor said he cant refer her to rheumy until she has had 6 physios appointments.

I will let you know how we get on.
mandy

elnafinn

Good for your Mandy!

I would have thought a blood test and xray could be done though?

Why do we have to fight all the time? I really wish the docs would listen more to the patient and close family instead of waving us away to get on with it. The medics will never know us like we know ourselves.

Wishing you lots of "forcefulness" with the medics, as that is what one often, unfortunately and unnecessarily require.

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Hello

The first thing my GP did when I first went, was to send me for x-rays and arrange blood tests. They can do that here, but maybe if the physio is concerned she can arrange the x-ray, as it helps them with the treatment. I hope she can get sorted out quickly. Love Sue

eckstardeluxe

Hi, I hope I don't cause more worry but she's not too young. I think you are doing the right thing by questioning them, your daughter is really lucky to have you there for her. Keep going until you get the answers you deserve. Back in my day, my Mum didn't ask anything, she was too afraid, Dr's were Gods apparently, keep fighting, we're all behind you, best wishes, Alex x

petmad

I think you are right to worry Mandy. Keep pushing the GP to make sure nothing is missed. Linda

tjenny54321

I felt like death warmed up in 1999 and thought I had a bad cold. I kept feeling dizzy and as there was no bus service to the surgery I asked for a house call but this was refused so I struggle along and was told it was just a cold and told to return in 2 weeks only for them to ask why I was there when I stated it still had cleared. If they don't want you to return they shouldn't tell you to return. Then the joint pains and swelling started and I was due to return to college. I showed my friends and my tutors as I knew I couldn't write. They told to return to G.P and demand investigations but they claimed a virus can cause swelling in joints and would only refer me if it was ongoing. Needless to say I was really going bananas and requested a second opinion. I got reffered to the Rhuemy which took 5 months and Consultant said it was definitely R.A and wanted on med but the letter from the consultant took over 2 weeks to get to G.P and she refused to give me anything until she had the official reply from consultant. She was also still disputing the diagnoses which infuriated me. She said the " blood count was too low" Now that I understand a bit more I realise it must have been an initial flare then it started to settle. So even the blood test isn't to be taken as law. I don't know how much a private consultation with a private G.P costs but I'd complain officially and consider this. Sometimes complaints can take weeks or months so wouldn't wait for outcome if you can afford this. I try to stand up for myself now as much as possible because sometimes people are ignorant. I'd organise a sit in if they don't listen. Me included. A language they understand. We don't choose to be ill and its our right have treatment
Take Care

frogmorton

Hi Mandy
Your poor daughter
She has all my sympathy. That hip pain could be referred pain from her back - I know it could because I get it too. My back started at around her age too.
You are doing the right thing for her. Good job she has a switched on mum
Take care
Toni x

lindalegs

You are right to be worried. My two sons have both had blood tests for arthritis and although clear my youngest still get stiff painful knees on some mornings. I would insist on tests and not wait for the physio appts to finish, if your daughter does need treatment the sooner the better, in my opinion.

Luv Legs