My 3 yr. old may have JRA - please help | Arthritis Information

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My son is 3 1/2 and is in the midst of tests for an autoimmune condition.  I'm not getting a clear explanation from our pediatrician on what the results indicate but I am guessing he's about to refer us to a pediatric rheumatologist. 

My son suffers from constant fatigue, recurrent fevers (approx. every 6 weeks) and has since he was about 6 months old.  He gets stiff and painful joints, swollen glands, etc.  The fever comes out of nowhere, races to about 104 and is gone in 24-36 hours, leaving us in the wreckage.  After years of pressing my doctor on whether this is normal he finally ordered some tests.

When my son was having his last fever his ESR was 56.  We just retested while he was not in a fever cycle and it came back as 26.  His Rh factor was negative.  I understand we're waiting on an ANA test and the C reactive protein.

Does anyone know what his ESR levels can indicate (56/26).  My pediatrician isn't getting back to me and I'm getting antsy.

Thank you so much!
Gin

I'm scared, frustrated, angry, and worried for my sweet, sweet boy.
It might be helpful to know that I had a very weird pregnancy with him.  My bloodwork came back ANA positive and I had a very low platelet count for the duration.  Everything corrected when I gave birth.  Also, my sister had Kawasaki when she was only three.   Gin, I feel for your frustration with regards your son.
Unfortunately I can not help explain your concerns but am writing just to let you know that others with more experience will chime in.
I hope you find the solution for your son's illness.

*hugs* and best of luck.

 
This is Information I cut and pasted from http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/esr/2
 
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body. However, it rarely leads directly to a specific diagnosis.

This test can be used to monitor inflammatory or cancerous diseases. It is a screening test, which means it cannot be used to diagnose a specific disorder. However, it is useful in detecting and monitoring tuberculosis, tissue death, certain forms of arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases that cause vague symptoms.  Normal Values for Children birth to puberty--3 to 13 mm/hr mm/hr. = millimeters per hour 

Check the website referenced above for what abnormal rates may mean, there are too many potential issues to list here.
Thank you all! I don't think anyone here can diagnose - when is the appointment with the pediatric RD?  I just wanted to send out a hug to you and your family and say I wish you all the best.  Please come back and keep us updated.
 
The "good" news in this is that there are great advancements in medical technology.  With the right medications and treatment protocol your son can most likely lead a normal to relatively normal life. 
I will keep you in my prayers. I hope you get some answers.
 
Please let us know what you find out. I hope you do not have to wait to long for some  answers.

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