Hello

[Guest guest]

My 17yo son was recently diagnosed with Juvenile Spondyloarthropathy. He was

working a full time job over the summer where he took a couple of days off to

attend wrestling camp. When he came home we noted a skin infection/rash. One

weekend he helped out a friend on a side job where he started pounding his feet

into a shovel repeatedly. About three days later he began with swelling and

severe pain in his heels. Doctor diagnosed plantar fascitis but after a few

weeks and no relief sent him for blood work. Pediatrician was skeptical about

arthritis but we decided to follow up anyway.

Rheum. says he either has reactive or possible ankylosing spondylitis.

Currently, He takes Methotrexate injections, sulfasalazine, prednisone, and

motrin. We are starting Remicade infusions next week since he has had some

relief but not complete yet. He still spends half the day with crutches and

complains of increasing back pain. Mornings and evenings are the worse time of

day.

My husband who has been dealing with back pain for the over 25 years has also

tested positive for HLA-B27 so we have to follow up with a doctor for him as

well.

I look forward to talking with others who understand our issues. There have not

been any others in our area that we are aware of with arthritis.