Hello,
I have posted several times about my 15 year old daughter recently
diagnosed with JRA and also has Type I diabetes. I have a questions
about flares.
We reside in MD and the weather has started to change. She has been
under a lot of stress with school starting and her diabetes and has been
hospitalized three times since Sept 7th. This past weekend she ended up
with a bad rash across her chest, and said her skin and scalp itch like
crazy. Then she has been complaining of stomachaches a lot. She also
gets these from high glucose levels but she said these are different.
Yesterday she said she was just very tired and just does not feel well.
Also, complaining about bad headache. She said everything hurts. Would
this be considered a flare? Is the rash a normal part of this? She has
homecoming in a week and I am worried that she will be unable to enjoy
it. This is suppose to be a happy time for her and she is just so unhappy.
ThanksTammy,
It would be helpful to know what meds she is on for the JRA. I
know there were a few I was on that caused severe headaches
and stomach problems, so I had to change meds. Those
symptoms could also be part of a flare, but the rash could
signal a reaction to meds. You should call the doctor and
explain the symptoms. Has she been checked for lupus? The overall tiredness and hurting does sound like a flare. Has she ever tried a medo pack of steroids? It might help with the rash and the pain. I hope she feels better.The doctor said that he did check for lupus could not confirm or rule out
so not sure. She is on prednisone. Only 5 mg. now, she was on 20 but
coming off of it now. She is also on cyclobenzaprine & metoclopramide.
I just checked on her and she said the stomachache is gone just still tired
and bad headache.
The rash is bothering her because she has a strapless gown for
homecoming and she is worried that it may spread a little higher and be
seen.
Your daughter will find a lot of support here on the JRA thread. My heart goes out to her. Being a teen is hard enough and it is even harder for her with her medical issues.
The rash could be an allergic reaction to the meds. Check with the dr first but try some benedryl to clear it up.
God bless
c