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General health

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Original poster

15 yo boy, joint issues/upset tummy...

14 replies

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 20:54

I have already booked a GP appointment for this but it's not until the 18th May and I'm hoping for a little advice in the meantime.

My DS2 aged 15 has been having issues with his joints. At times his feet lock into position especially if he bends to pick something up. He has uncomfortable wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles. A few times he has moved and his elbow had briefly popped out of place, he has also moved in bed a few times and complained of his hip/hips moving out of place. To be honest I have been putting this down to growth - his is tall, 6'2" and shaped like a pencil! As well as this he has pretty much as long as I can remember had a low level upset tummy - he doesn't talk about this much so it's not always clear, I don't know whether he has an intolerance to milk/wheat but things contains these seem to make it worse. He is also frequently very tired and can sleep for England!

I'm hoping that I'm building this up too much in my head but it's all building up in my head and worrying me!!

Anyone got any ideas?

OP posts:

GrouchyKiwi · 29/04/2015 20:58

Obviously seeing the GP is your best bet but it sounds like it could be some form of hypermobility. Google the HMS Association for more info.

MoominKoalaAndMiniMoom · 29/04/2015 20:58

EDS?

Are his joints hypermobile? (Double jointed?). Anything else along the lines of stretchy skin, bruising easily etc?

GrouchyKiwi · 29/04/2015 21:01

If GP doesn't have an answer ask for a referral to rheumatology

CMOTDibbler · 29/04/2015 21:01

It could be coeliac disease - mine presented as joint pain as well as a dodgy tum and being very tired

Original poster

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 21:02

Not sure about bruising tbh but he scars very easily?

OP posts:

MoominKoalaAndMiniMoom · 29/04/2015 21:06

Sounds like it could be Ehlers Danlos (like hypermobility syndrome but with more symptoms around the body including IBS-type symptoms). Many doctors haven't heard of it and will go 'huh?' if you mention it or will insist it can't be that, but it's worth getting a diagnosis. Ask to see a rheumatologist. And physiotherapy too, it's a godsend for the joints, particularly if he can get to see one who specialises in hypermobility.

Original poster

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 21:24

Thank you for your replies. Google had been pointing me that way but I was a bit loathe to take Dr Google's word! I feel really bad, he's always just got on with it and I haven't thought too much about it until fairly recently. My youngest son has many issues and I've always taken for granted that the older three were ok. I think I need to take this seriously now though. Is there anything I can do to help in the meantime while we wait to see the GP? Been giving him paracetamol and ibuprofen. His GCSE's start on the 18th too so I don't want him missing too much school - he was off today as he was so sore overnight with his hips that he barely slept.

OP posts:

Original poster

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 21:25

OP posts:

Original poster

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 21:26

Grr! App issues causing a double post!

OP posts:

GrouchyKiwi · 29/04/2015 21:30

Does he do a lot of exercise?

Original poster

ProbablyMe · 29/04/2015 21:31

Not really. Nothing above PE at school and walking th dogs from time to time.

OP posts:

GrouchyKiwi · 29/04/2015 21:34

Swimming is supposed to be good for strengthening joints gently so that might help?

BlackNoSugar · 29/04/2015 21:41

Look into getting some Kinesio Tape - Boots sell it, or you can get it online. Search YouTube for videos on how to apply it. I use it to help stabilise my unstable joints, it provides support and helps keep things in place, and once it's applied it can stay in place up to about three days, it survives daily showers. It certainly won't do any harm.

MoreBeta · 29/04/2015 21:48

Ehlers Danloss syndromeis genetic. I have a good friend whose wife has it. Lots of joint and muscle pain.

I also thought coeliac or some form of other autoimmune condition causing arthritic and muscle pain along with bowel issues as well as thinness..

I have non coeliac gluten intolerance and am now have permanent joint and muscle pain and just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I get low level stomach and bowel problems all the time.

It sound like a complex issue - please don't let your GP fob you off. I was undiagnosed from my late teens and suffered for 25 years.

Please PM me any time if you want a chat.

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