Arthritis Isn’t For Kids!

When our second born entered fourth grade, we discovered an unusual problem, and it often happened while she was at school.  For no apparent reason she would turn bright red on her knuckles, knees and of all places, her ears— and it was hot to the touch!  It was beyond frustrating since the episodes would only last for two to five, sometimes ten minutes, and then go away.  She didn’t feel horribly sick, although it made her feel weak.  

Of course we didn’t have iPhones back then so I could take a picture, so describing this to a doctor was beyond difficult!  (And we didn’t have a Polaroid one either!) For a while the doctors thought she had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Eventually the episodes did stop, and whatever she had was not confirmed—or completely identified, since JRA symptoms can disappear in children.  (Statistically, it is believed that half of children affected with this disorder, outgrow it.)  

Fast forward almost thirty years later to her third born, who does have confirmed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Her daughter doesn’t have the same intense redness her momma did, (although there is some) but she too, becomes weak, gets a headache and is completely fatigued, especially when bad weather is moving in.  Knowing my grand daughter has JRA, and even though our daughter was never ‘officially’ diagnosed with JRA, it causes me pause.

I admit, before the doctor suggested my daughter had any chance of having JRA, I was clueless. I always believed arthritis wasn’t for children.  It was all about getting older with the weather changes being ‘felt in our bones’!

Most of us know what arthritis is, but we think of it, in terms of ‘seniors’. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, that attacks a child’s immune system.  The inflammation and stiffness affecting the joints can be very painful.  

Additionally, there is information which explains it can also attack organs like the heart or lungs.   There are many factors involved in this condition, including, (but not limited to) genetic and environmental.  Research continues, as does awareness about the disorder.

Awareness is important not only to the victims of the disease, but for the general public.  As an ‘invisible disease’ it can stay hidden from other people for many years, while the victim suffers quietly.  This is one of those situations where sadly, as onlookers, we may question any disability placard or other insignia displayed.  

Compounding daily pain and discomfort, the pain shifts and can be heightened from day to day.  As I watch my young grand daughter, it’s heartbreaking to see this busy, industrious little girl curled up on the couch, while her siblings are outside playing.  Sometimes, because a weather system has not yet moved in, we are confused by her behavior, since she almost never complains.  Then when we think it through, we have an ‘a-ha’ moment!

Making a child comfortable during flare ups of this disorder is important.  One of those ways is making sure they have prescribed medicine to help ease the pain; make sure they are exercising and eating right, which can be challenging when a child feels bad.  Add to this our love, and a huge dose of compassion and understanding. 

Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+JRA+in+knees&client=safari&channel=iphone_bm&biw=1437&bih=749&sxsrf=AOaemvK31vxmNlu-