William presented with a rash on his legs. Each spring he tends to get hives and react to some allergy in the air, so I figured that's all it was. But, the Benadryl just didn't do anything and it seemed to get worse. He had complained off and on that his legs hurt or that his stomach hurt, but I just chalked it up to growing pains. After a few days, we decided to take him to his pediatrician. We figured she'd prescribe a steroid to get rid of the rash and that would be the end. Unfortunately, our regular pediatrician was on vacation. The doctor we saw knew pretty quickly that he had HSP and ordered urine and blood tests. This was the first we heard of this condition and we really didn't know what to expect. The doctor said he would call with the results of the test that afternoon or the next day.
As the day went on, William complained more about stomach pains. We began noticing that his hand was swelling and then his elbow on the same arm began to swell. By the time we put him to bed his foot had begun to swell as well. I had already read about HSP on the internet and figured it would be fine until we heard from the doctor the next day. But, that night he did not sleep well and woke up with stomach pain a lot. So at 4:00AM, by husband and Will were on the road to Valley Children's Hospital. They confirmed the diagnosis of HSP and told us that there was no treatment for the condition. Just Motrin or Advil for pain and swelling.
When the doctor called back the next day with the results of the blood tests, he explained more about HSP which I pretty much already knew about from the internet. I shared that he had begun swelling so he prescribed Neproxin for him to take twice a day. Now we are prepared to monitor his urine and stool for the next couple months to make sure there is no blood. We have to watch closely to be sure this condition does not effect his kidneys.
And so the journey into the storm begins.....
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