Pleasure to meet you Jim.
Your two cents are worth much more than that.
I too was told that on and off. Thing is I am 34 now & fused at l5/s1, had to have lammenectomy fusion at l4/l5 and a bulging disc, lumbar spondylosis, and patella something or another in my right knee. I seriously doubt what you and I experienced was growing pains.
I just called the pediatrician and explained to him about her knees crunching really ugly. He said "well at that age they are pretty knobby kneed and that can be common" I said "really? well that was one of my first signs with my arthritis" he said "you dont have a dx do you?' I said "Yes, Spondloropathy". When he couldnt pronounce it...I knew there was a problem.
I had to say spondylitis then it clicked. He asked if my problems started in my back. They didnt. I explained that it was at a very young age the knees started. I told him unlike RA, it affects one knee instead of both at the same time and I rarely had swelling or redness. I explained to him that my spine problems did not begin until my late teens. He was at a loss for words. He then said not to ask her too many questions, which I dont. And that when it happens again, to bring her in right away so that he can see her right away.
I try to be a strong mother but tears flowed as I talked to Arthur. Only b/c I dont want her to go thru this. I can handle my pain, but she is so young. My mother tried to help me as a child but like you mentioned, not much info was available as today. She's out marching about downtown with her grandparents. She's more angry about her shot!
take care...
Buggy
