need advice please

[1worriedmom410]

My 14 year old woke up yesterday morning with a few red blotches on his knees and was complaining of alot of pain.At first I thought something had bitten him so I took him to the doctor and he looked at his knees and said he has juvenile arthritis.I thought diagnosing Arthritis would require some type of X-rays or something..
My son had never complained of knee pain before until yesterday.He gave him an injection to help with the inflamation and has referred us to a specialist.Until yesterday I have never heard of Juvenile Arthritis.My question is,Does anyone here have a child with juvenile arthritis? .. Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

[1worriedmom410]

Hello and I thank you for your response.

I had took my son to our Family Doctor thinking he had an insect bite of some sort.However as soon as the doctor saw the blotches and swelling he immediately said they are not insect bites,it appears to be Juvenile Arthritis.When he touched my sons knees and the blotches my son just yelled out in pain.He said he wanted us to see a rheumatologist and that it could affect my sons heart as well.I have never heard of that before so I am so VERY worried right now.
The injections they had given him helped because he felt better but yesterday he played a little basketball outside and at night his knees were a little swollen and he was in pain again.
Thank you for all the information.It is greatly appreciated.Now we have some sort of idea what to expect. Thanks.

[txsilver]

I bet you are one worried mom.  I am sorry your son is going through this.  It is hard enough to deal with as an adult.  I have not talked to many parents in this forum but have some information I can share on JA.  
JA symptoms include painful joint(s) on waking that improve by afternoon.  A rash may or may not be present.  Swelling around the joint and warmth to the touch are also indicators.
There are 3 different types and the specialist will determine which, if any, your son has.  Blood tests, x-rays, a medical history and a physical examination will be used to determine the diagnosis.
If your son does have JA, the drugs used to treat it are the same as the adults in this forum.  Antiinflammatory drugs (in rx strength), DMARDs, steroids and/or biologics are used.  Which drug/drugs is/are given are based on the dx and the progression of the disease.
To be prepared for this appointment try to put some documentation together in advance.  Write down the health history of your family.  If you have relatives with autoimmune diseases be sure to mention them even if they are cousins or great aunts, etc.  Take a complete medical history of your son including growing pains, eye infections, frequently twisted ankles, skin conditions, everything you can think of.  Be prepared to be asked about your pregnancy with your son.  Believe it or not, at 41 my doc asked about my mother's preganancy with me.  I know it seems like a lot and you may not need it all but it is better to have it than to try to remember everything while you are at the appointment.

If I think of anything else I will write again.  Please do write back.  I know you were looking for a mother with whom you could commiserate but maybe talking to a patient will help too.  Besides, another mom may turn up at any moment.  You never know who is out there reading and not posting.  Keeping you and your son in my thoughts and prayers.