New Diagnosis for my son | Arthritis Information

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Hi Everyone, We have been waiting for a Ped Rhumetlogy appt what seems like forever , But Yesterday was the big day. My son is 12 , sudden onset of joint and back pain since December. He had blood work ( all neg) Back x rays (just perfect) but he continued to hurt and feel just yukky.  He tried PT but there was really no improvement so for now he has stopped.

 The Rhumey was very knowlegeable, but spoke rather fast so I was trying to take it all in. I read a wonderful book another mentioned about Ra and kids so I was not going in blind. He has stomachaches and she thinks this could be related to his JIA? ( she diagnosed him with Juvenille Idiopathic Arthritis) . I had never heard of anything except JRA, so from what I read they are the same just the name is being updated??  Anyone hear about this?
 
So to make a long story short she is doing a ton of blood work-one thing she mentioned is the HLB27 genetic marker. She asked if my Rhumey ever tested me and I said no. Has anyone been tested here?
So he is on zantac for the tummy and sulindac for the inflammation and we go back in 6 months.  I would love to hear from you all and esp parents of kids with arthritis!
 
Chris
chrise49832008-05-02 21:35:13

Yes, I have read on the interent they changed the JRA to JIA, it kinda lumps all of them together, I think.

Yes, heard of the HLB27 gene, was thinking of getting my son tested for it, because he was having knee pains at night, but has not had them for a while now.
 
Yes on the stomach aches. I missed a LOT of school and even had to repeat Kidnergarden because of my JRA and going home with stomach aches and fevers after the first recess.
Oh and sorry about your son. I hope he gets good treatment and does not suffer with symptoms long.
 
Much hugs to you & him.

Chrise -

Is there anyway you'd consider trying a more natural way than Zantac?  Maybe aloe vera juice which I used to help me wean from my PPI?  The reason I ask is I've seen reseach that links PPI's and H2 Blockers to the onsets of these diseases.  And probiotics to help him fight things off naturally.  Maybe only try for a month.  If you see no improvement, then maybe go the traditional way. 
 
This is a link I found today looking for info on B12 deficiency.  Look under acid blockers.  See how it stops us from absorbing the very vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. 
 
http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx?ProdID=art2079&zTYPE=2
 
Then, I found this looking for info on side effects of Zantac.  It sounds like the same thing he's going thru.  So...
 
I found this -

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Ranitidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Ranitidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Again, not trying to be a downer when you're dealing with this...just maybe consider this info.
 
Pip
Gotta disagree with Pip on the Zantac.  I don't think it is just for the current stomach pain, I think it is also for protection from the NSAID and I don't think natural would be enough, in my opinion.  Adding natural to it would be a good idea to me, because something more harsh is going into an already uncomfortable stomach. I'd throw in a vote for yogurt.

I hope what the ped rheum suggested will help him!  Six months is a pretty long time, so she must be confident this treatment will give him some relief - I think you should feel pretty at ease with that prognosis.  Take care and keep us posted!        We disagree?!??!  LOL
 
I understand what you're saying but when I saw that link about the vitamins not being absorbed, my thoughts were, 'no wonder there's a link from PPI's and H2 Blockers to getting these diseases!'
 
So, probiotics to help extract the needed vitamins in the intestines (of which AI people are chronically low) and aloe vera to protect the stomach. 
 
I know being a Mom it's hard to watch your child in ANY kind of pain (OMG, she got a paper cut the other day and I was pulling out neosporin, bandaids, HP LOL) but, with the links being there in research, to me, the risks are more with the H2 Blocker.  If it were my baby, I think I could hold out a month to see if we could stop this naturally.  If we couldn't - then I'd try the Zantac.  He's on the fence - maybe he could swing the other way and be safe.
 
Pip
P.S.  Or, if you wanted the Zantac - really up the vitamins on that list to compensate.  I just thought it would be easier for one pill (probiotic) than multiple pills (Zantac and magnesium, potassium, calcium and all the rest).  Some of my supps are freakin' horse pills!
Diagnosed w/ JRA as a child (10 years) ...  Had "spasmatic stomach" during the same period.  I watched my stomach contort on an Upper GI screen.  Incredible... Looked like it  was twisting.
 
My parents were told that a( it could be caused by the JRA, b) it could be a reactionary issue due to the aspirin, c) totally unrelated.  I would opt for a) .. caused by...  since when JRA went into remission, so did my spasmatic stomach.  And the stomach issue began before daily aspirin use (1970's)
 
my best to your boy.  Hi guys , just an update...Jeremy's labs came back good, so the nurse says. His sed rate was 6. I don't think I have ever been that high myself, but my joint pain is still real.
 He is 2 weeks into his sulinda twice a day and zantac for the tummy. the problem is his tummy and pain are worse. she wants him to try for 2 more weeks and is adding prilosec. we will see. I just called to talk to the nurse again ...what I wanted to know is if the HBLA ( I hope thats right) markerwas back and it was not. I need help...what can I do with him, he spends so much time in the bathtub I think he will grow gills. Since my choice is limited as far as Ped Rhum, there is no getting a second opinion.
Thanks in advance  Chris

Chris, I'm so sorry Jeremy's having so much trouble.  I did get tested for the HLA-B27 marker (http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hla_b27/glance.html) when I was first diagnosed and it was negative.  However that didn't stop me from having Fibromyalgia and RA.  I'm wondering why your results are taking so long, because I had the results back within 2 days.  Maybe they did a more extensive/sensitive test?

Anyway, I can't provide much insight into the pediatric side of things, but I hope you find some answers soon.

HI Chris, have a look at my posts regarding my son, Janiefx. 
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