It's Not Just Growing Pains

Imagine the difficulty an adult faces, learning to live and cope with the chronic pain of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. As chronic pain imposes increasing limitation, it becomes more and more challenging, yet an adult has a reservoir of maturity which helps them adjust and adapt. What happens when a child suffers with persistent pain?

Persistent Pain

When a child complains or shows signs of pain, a parent usually thinks of injury at first and tries to determine how, when, and where it hurts. If the pain persists, a consultation with a doctor is indicated. Upon examination, if no injury is found, the pain sometimes is dismissed as "growing pains". That can be a misdiagnosis in some cases.

For some children, "It's Not Just Growing Pains". Thomas J.A. Lehman, MD wrote this book, not to serve as a textbook, but rather as a guide for parents and healthcare professionals. Dr. Lehman is Chief of the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, among the most prestigious pediatric rheumatology programs in the world. In writing this book, Dr. Lehman draws from his knowledge and years of experience as a pediatric rheumatologist with specific goals in mind:

to help parents and physicians understand juvenile arthritis and rheumatic disease.

to guide them to proper diagnosis, the best care, and the most effective treatments.

Parent-Doctor Interaction

Dr. Lehman states, "Physicians do not know all about the lives of the children they are taking care of. Parents do not know what is important to the physician and what is not. The key to the best possible care is an open exchange of information."

What should you expect from your doctor visit?

What will the doctor be looking for and asking?

Other than taking your child and child's "chief complaint" to the doctor, is there a way to prepare so you get the most out of the office visit? Dr. Lehman helps you through the process with advice that is easy to read and comprehend. After reading the book expect to feel as though someone uncovered your eyes, allowing you to see what you need to see.

Learning The Basics

Beyond preparing you for interaction with your doctor, Dr. Lehman covers the basics about common causes of pain, sports injuries, and the rheumatic diseases and related conditions including:

Juvenile Arthritis

Spondyloarthropathies

Lyme Disease

Lupus

Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases

Sjogren's Syndrome

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Scleroderma

Dermatomyositis

Polymyositis

Kawasaki Disease

Benign Hypermobile Joint Syndrome

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Complex Regional Pain Syndromes

Osteoporosis / Osteopenia

Uveitis

It's a "Must-Read"

The book is informative about diagnostic testing, medications and the latest treatments available, including alternative options and surgical options. It engages the parent into getting the best result for their child in all ways:

choosing a specialist

insurance issues

second opinions

conflicting advice

school issues

family and friend issues

dealing with neighbors - and much more

It's Not Just Growing Pains is truly a 5-star, must-read. It's an interesting read for young adults with rheumatic disease too, driving them to compare their history of care to the suggestions in the book.

Have they been on the right course?

Have mistakes been made?