Guest guest Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 This is a posting I received from another list I am on (juvenile rheumatic diseases). I wanted to post this here as a reminder to us all that leukemia can sometimes be mistaken for JRA. Hope this doesn't upset anyone by me posting it, but if we can save another mother this anguish... and Rob 15 Spondy I received this email today, and decided to share it with all of you. Laurie had joined our group 10/20/04. She hadn't posted to our group before. Reading her email brought back memories of when my son was first sick and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. They were running blood tests on him for JRA, Lupus and Leukemia. So many diseases have so many similar symptoms, but I sit here and think how the hell did this doctor she took her son too not know the difference between Leukemia and JRA by blood tests. This really breaks my heart! Hugs & Support, Kathy ~ BJ's Mom (JSD & JA) JRD Group - Owner/Moderator My 5 year old son died 2 and a half weeks ago from Leukemia. A doctor told us he had JRA...Well, he didn't. My only advice is to make sure ALL the appropriate tests are done to rule out leukemia before accepting a diagnosis of JRA. JRA is a diagnosis made by elimination. Make sure leukemia is eliminated from being in question and second guess the doctors when needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 , This is so correct about the similarities between some types of JRA symptoms (mostly systemic types of rheumatism) and some types of leukemia. We did, and I know there are others on this list also, go through with the bone marrow analysis (basic harpoon needle driven through the back of the hip under general anaesthesia). I'm guessing doctors who don't order this are either not that experienced, not that thorough, or are concerned about the cost (very expensive). It is rare for this mis-diagnosis, but not worth the cost of life. I hope those that are struggling with a diagnosis read this and discuss it with their docs. Stacia and Hunter 8 systemic, iritis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Stacia, Now I have one more thing to quiz the doctor's about. Sami has not done very well for the last week since we started the MTX. Today, I am making the doctor call. Now that she has experienced a period of no pain -- she is very aware of what pain is and is letting us know. This is good because I have a better handle on her symptoms, but perhaps we are having a flare or something. Low grade fever at night, complaints of her neck and feet hurting. Not sleeping or sleeping all day and night. Refusing to eat... and tonight in the middle of the night waking up screaming her knee hurt and she wanted me to help her. I don't know how to make it better and it breaks my heart. I have to head out to work now. I hope everyone has one good day today and tomorrow .... Gramma Deb (Sami, 2, poly) California Re: important but very sad... , This is so correct about the similarities between some types of JRA symptoms (mostly systemic types of rheumatism) and some types of leukemia. We did, and I know there are others on this list also, go through with the bone marrow analysis (basic harpoon needle driven through the back of the hip under general anaesthesia). I'm guessing doctors who don't order this are either not that experienced, not that thorough, or are concerned about the cost (very expensive). It is rare for this mis-diagnosis, but not worth the cost of life. I hope those that are struggling with a diagnosis read this and discuss it with their docs. Stacia and Hunter 8 systemic, iritis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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