Test Results

The doctor called this morning about JJ's test results. My stomach did a flip flop when I saw her number on the caller ID. When I talked to her, my heart dropped... there was something wrong. The seconds passed like hours as I listened to her, wanting to speed her up and tell me what was abnormal. Finally, she said it. JJ's ANAs were positive. First, I breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't mention her CBC, if that was normal, then it wasn't Leukemia. I asked if all the other tests were okay and again she said the only one abnormal was her ANAs which was 1:640.

The doctor said she wanted JJ to see a pediatric rheumatologist. She asked me to give her some time to find one for her to see at the children's hospital. I said okay.

Now, we wait. And of course, with waiting, we worry. My hands can't stay away from the Internet, so I've been researching things all day. Names like juvenile arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia have been jumping out at me.

My husband urges me to stay calm. I'm trying, but it's impossible to not think about it. I do have some good things to keep my mind on. JJ doesn't have any other symptoms besides pain and this blood test. And I have tested positive on my ANAs and mine were even more positive then hers (1:1280). I went to see a rheumatologist and they did tests, tests, and more tests and never found anything past the positive ANAs (and the MTHFR). I have no symptoms or pain. I wasn't diagnosed with anything. My mother does have rheumatoid arthritis, so it is in the family.

I had JJ on my lap today and I told her that the doctor had called and her test results showed there was something wrong and she would have to see another doctor for more tests. She looked up at me with those big, brown, puppy dog eyes and said, "I told you my legs hurt, Mom." I felt horrible for not taking her sooner, for not believing her earlier. Here all this time I was thinking she was trying to get out of doing something or trying to get some attention, and she's really been in pain.

I beg any of you who have a child who says they are in pain, believe them, and get it checked out. If it turns out to be nothing, then you are only out money. Knowing that you put it off and there was something wrong is so much worse than having a little less cash. Get your child to the doctor even if it's for nothing but easing your mind.

Please keep JJ in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through more testing. Keep us in them too, we need patience and strength to figure out what it is.