Growing Up and Going Strong!

It has been two years since my last update on William's condition. This is actually a good thing because it means there is not much to report. But there are some questions we have and things we wonder about that I thought I would post here. Maybe it will help others who are searching for answers.

William is a healthy 11 year old boy! Hallelujah! When I read of others who are going through that stressful uncertainty of a diagnosis with HSP, I realize how blessed we are to have come through the storm. If you are reading this because you have just learned of this condition, please know that there is hope. Searching the internet you will find stories from the worse cases, the best cases, and everything in between. I hope this blog brings you hope to know that this really is just a storm that will pass and most likely there will be a rainbow when it is over.

Here are a few things we still have questions about. Could these be connected to HSP? Could these be connected to a general autoimmune condition?

• Gastrointestinal sensitivity - William has a sensitive stomach. We have questioned lactose intolerance as his father had that sensitivity as a child. We have considered lifestyle changes like gluten-free foods, but lifestyle changes are difficult. Perhaps we will get there in the future.
• Allergies - Every Spring, William has allergic reactions to a variety of things in the environment. Bug bites have sent him to the doctor for antibiotics. He gets rashes, not the vasculitis from HSP, but skin rashes from grass or other environmental influence.
• Knee joint sensitivity - William tends to have aches in his knee joints from time to time. It reminds me of my grandpa who could tell a change in weather by the way his knees felt. He also has very loud popping knees! Every time he squats to play, his knees pop loudly. It seems unusual for a young child.