Anyone's child ever had Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)?

[njfamily]

My DS4 was diagnosed with HSP today. We took him to the DR yesterday because of the weird spots on his legs. The blood work came back today and we were told he had HSP and Strep. I have done some research on the internet, but everything is medical and I am looking for some other parents to chat with (or adults who have had this). I didn’t get much info from the DR; I was a little bit in shock today at the Dr’s office so I may not have heard everything he said.

Currently DS’s feet/ankles are so swollen that he can't walk. His knees are causing him a lot of pain as well. This seemed to develop in a matter of hours. He was limping this morning and now the pain is so bad he can't walk. I read that the typical recovery period was 4- 6 weeks, will the swelling last that long?

Thanks!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

The whobie da whatie??:confused2

 

[njfamily]

Thats what I was saying this morning. If you want more info try going to familydoctor.org and do a search on HSP.

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Never heard of it, but big prayers for a quick recovery. Poor little one!

 

[antbritt]

Sorry about your sons illness . I have not heard too much about this disease but found some info on the internet. I hope it helps. I hope your son feels better soon.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a disease that may affect any age group but is usually seen in children. It is characterized by purpura, which are dark purplish-red patches of skin on the buttocks and lower legs. In addition the patient may have joint pain, abdominal pain, and kidney involvement. The immune system goes awry and starts forming complexes in the blood that leads to hemorrhage of the blood vessels in the skin, joints and other organs. Viruses and other infections, drugs, foods, insect bites, and immunization have all been implicated as possible reasons the immune system gets "messed up."

Fortunately, most children, recover completely. HSP itself is not known to be a cause of diabetes, but there could be a link between a virus that triggered both the HSP and the Type I diabetes. There is increasing evidence to suggest that there is viral destruction of the pancreas cells that produce insulin in Type I diabetics (juvenile-onset). This is not the case in adult-onset Type II diabetes which usually develops in people over the age of forty who are obese and have a strong family history of diabetes.

 

[RNMOM]

I was able to find some information in "English" at www.webmd.com. I put HSP in the search and it came up with it down about 4-5 lines. It also gives a number of other names for it and you might try some of those.

I think if he is having that much swelling and pain you should call a doctor NOW or take him to the E.D. I think that is too much to be within the range of expected swelling. Just a nurse's opion. At least call the doctor and ask his advice.

 

[deedee67]

My daughter had that about five years ago when she was in kindergarten. The first thing we noticed were the red spots all over her legs. I thought it was just a rash as she had no other complaints. I made an appointment for the following afternoon at the doctor. I kept her home from school the next day and had my MIL watch her while I went to work. My MIL called me frantically by noon because DD couldn't stay awake or keep her eyes open. I rushed her to the doctor and she said it was HSP (I had never heard of that). They referred us to a specialist and said that she would have to be monitored for diabetes. I know what you mean about not hearing everything that the doctor is saying because at that point I just couldn't stop thinking about the fact that she might have diabetes. She was put on medication (sorry, I can't remember what it was). She never had any swelling but she couldn't eat anything and she ended up losing weight. I believe her recovery time was less than two weeks. She has never had any further complications from it.
I am keeping your son in my thoughts and wishing him a very quick recovery.

 

[njfamily]

Thanks for all your replies and the links. I spent a good couple of hours late last night cruising the internet for information. DS is doing better today. The swelling in his ankles has gone down a bit and he can put weight down on one of his legs now. His spirits are very good, he just is not happy that he can't move around by himself. He also is sleeping more then normal.

deedee67 - I am glad to hear your daughter made a full recovery and that it was pretty quick. Two week sounds much better then four to six weeks.

We made another DR’s appointment for Monday so they can check on the swelling and to take another urine test. I’ll be taking a written list of questions this time and a pencil to take notes!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Do hope all goes well for your little guy, njfamily.

 

[Pembo]

My oldest had this when he was in preschool. We noticed the big spots on his legs. Then the dr asked if his joints were swollen and I noticed his knees. He had also been complaining his legs hurt.

I don't remember it lasting very long. I do remember telling his preschool teacher about it so she wouldn't think we beat him.

He recovered fully.

 

[mtemm]

my niece had it a few years ago. So painful to see her in that much pain! thankfully she made a full recovery.