Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Signs of Spondy in children?

Hello John...
You know it's funny you mentioned that..because as soon as we pulled out Gianna remembered too! She said she forgot to tell the doc about her knees doing the crunching, grinding noise. I had very noisy joints like you too John. Then a couple months ago I heard Gianna bend down...her knees sounded that familiar snap crackle, and pop. I was trying to explain to the doc but he was too busy doing the range of motion tests on her. I didnt have much swelling as a child but the pain would come and go and that was real. I think it's always if there's no redness or swelling, then surely there is no pain. I'm in pain and I only get swelling in my right knee, that's why it took years to find out what was happening to my body.

The fronts of my legs would hurt and they thought it was shin splints, but it wasnt. It sounds like we went down similar pain paths as children John. That's what I am hoping is NOT the case with my daughter. I may call her pediatrician and mention this part to nurse.

Thanks for the info....


Buggy

Thank you Ann...
I just called her pediatricians nurse to ask about her knees and "crepitus". Luckily John gave me the term in a post so that helped me out. Gianna reminded me on the way home, I had completely forgotton about that part. As a matter of fact that was one of the very first signs I showed as a child. Everyone thought I had shin splints and PE teachers thought I was just lazy. As an adult I could work out extensively but no pressure on knees, or running, and that ever burning shoulder. I mentioned to the nurse that with my Spondy I dont get swelling, I get pain, sharp pain and it started the same way. This is not something new with my kid. Hopefully they'll call back soon...

hugs]]]


Buggy

Hi , I'm sort of new around here, but I'll give you my two cents. My pain started in my hips alternating from one side to the other around the age of twelve. The thing that made me post is the part about just being"growing pains" .That was my diagnosis. I'm now 42 and had both hips replaced at 35. I'm in constant pain every day, totally fused spine, and bent over. I was misdiagnosed for ten years. I guess my point is get a second, and third oppinion. I wish my parents had, although not much was known then about this disease. God bless you and child.

Thanks Simone...



Buggy

Thank you Evelyn...
she is doing better today.


Buggy

Thank you for the prayers Wendy...
That must be so hard, your brother and your son now showing possible signs.
I wish the very best for your son and hope that it is NOT As.

hugs to you and your son]]


Buggy

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