My 13 yr old son was diagnosed with JIA in June but they say he probably had it his whole life . It has become a nightmare, every test just shows, more damage, including demineralization in his bones, erosion and loss of growth in his jaw, uneven bone growth, arthritis in his c-spine. He is currently getting pt and ot and is on methotrexate and humira. He also wears hand splints at night to prevent worsening of his loss of rom in his wrists. I have an endoscopy scheduled for wednesday to r/o any gi problems. I've also taken him to an allergist to r/o any allergies. So far all his blood tests are negative for inflammation, RA and allergies. Do you think he could have an underlying neurological problem that could be causing the arthritis.?
Q: Why are all my childs blood tests neg but they say he has ra?
Answers (2)
10/24/09 10:42am
11/23/09 6:09pm
There are other autoimmune issues that can mimic RA, but people can be seronegative for RF and CCP and still have it (about the third for the former, I believe). It's great that they are doing the colonoscopy b/c Crohn's is one of the disease that can mimic RA. Another is Ankylosing Spondylitis, though with all of the damage he already has, they probably would have ruled that out if he doesn't have any hip or lower spine damage.
It truly sounds like they are on top of it and his treatment sounds appropriate. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this! My biggest fear is that I will pass the RA or some other autoimmune disease to my kids, since I have it, but there is nothing we can do to prevent it. All you can do is keep on top of the docs to give him the best treatment to prevent more damage and give him a better quality of life.
You are a good mom!
Liz :)
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By helen— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 10/23/09
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thankyou for taking the time to respond!