Seeking Guidance on My Son’s Health Issues
My son, who is 4.5 years old, stands at 40 inches tall and weighs 37 pounds. We are a Hispanic family residing in the United States. He has autism and has experienced gliosis in his brain due to a traumatic brain injury along with a skull fracture. To manage the autism, he utilizes CBD oil. Since around August of the previous year, he has been experiencing persistent leg pain, which initially we attributed to growing pains. However, these episodes have significantly intensified recently, causing him to scream and shake from pain, disrupting his sleep multiple times throughout the night. Despite the effectiveness of the CBD for pain relief (I also use it for my own discomfort), it has not alleviated his suffering. Walking over short distances or at a quick pace is difficult for him. A few months back, he started wearing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to address his discomfort and a slight curvature in his feet, but unfortunately, we have not seen any improvements. About a month ago, he developed cold and flu-like symptoms that have lingered since then. Initially, he had fevers, prompting me to take him to urgent care a few weeks later when he was still unwell. During this visit, the physicians noted that he had a swollen lymph node in his neck, although his ear was not infected, it had fluid present. Thankfully, the ear issue and fever improved the following day, but he then experienced gastrointestinal problems, showing a decreased appetite and rarely eating for a couple of days. Additionally, he had episodes of incontinence, which was unusual for him as he has been fully potty trained for over a year. This issue resolved within a few days, but the cough, nasal congestion, and leg pain persisted. Upon examining his neck, I noticed that the lymph node has hardened and now resembles a pea in size. I returned to urgent care, and after advocating for further testing, the doctors conducted blood work and X-rays on his legs. The results revealed elevated platelet levels (416 x10E3/uL) while the CRP was within normal limits and the ESR was 31. New symptoms have also emerged, including small dots appearing beneath his eyes today. The lymphocyte percentage is 51%, while all other tests fell within the typical range. I am reaching out for insights into what may be causing my son's ongoing health challenges, as I am eager for any advice or support.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 1:30:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your son's situation. It sounds incredibly challenging, and it's understandable that you're seeking more clarity and support regarding his ongoing health issues. Given what you've described, I will address your main concerns related to his leg pain, swollen lymph node, and recent gastrointestinal problems.
Main Points
- Persistent Leg Pain: This pain has worsened and is affecting his mobility.
- Swollen Lymph Node: The change in the lymph node's size and hardness is concerning.
- Recent Gastrointestinal Issues and Other Symptoms: These could be related, but further investigation is essential.
Explanation
- Leg Pain: While growing pains are common in children, the intensity of your son's pain, especially the screaming and shaking, suggests something more significant may be happening. Factors to consider are muscle or joint issues, neurological problems related to his brain injury, or myopathies.
- Swollen Lymph Node: The hardening of the lymph node is notable. It often indicates a response to infection or inflammation, but it's important to evaluate for any underlying conditions, particularly given his medical history.
- Gastrointestinal and Other Symptoms: The incontinence and decreased appetite can sometimes be linked to infections, stress, or changes in health. The presence of a cough and nasal congestion could indicate a prolonged viral illness, which might also explain other systemic responses.
Next Steps
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Pain Management and Mobility Support:
- Continue monitoring your son's pain closely. If the current measures (like CBD oil and AFOs) aren't helping, consider tracking specific activities or times when he experiences increased pain to share this information with healthcare providers.
- Engage with a pediatric physical therapist who can assess his mobility and leg pain more in-depth, potentially suggesting exercises or different supportive equipment.
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Follow-Up on Swollen Lymph Node:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with a pediatrician or pediatric specialist to investigate the lymph node further, especially since it's hardening. They might recommend imaging or further blood work to rule out infections or other conditions.
- Keep a watchful eye on signs of systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, or significant weight loss.
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Monitor Symptoms and Communication:
- Document all symptoms, including onset, duration, and any accompanying signs. This can help healthcare professionals in making a more informed assessment.
- Communicate any new symptoms, such as the small dots under his eyes, to the pediatrician as they could be relevant.
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Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach:
- Given your son’s complex medical background and needs, seeking a multidisciplinary team (including a pediatric neurologist, nutritionist, and possibly a specialist in children's pain management) could provide comprehensive care.
Lastly, it's completely normal to feel worried and overwhelmed by the situation. Be patient with the process, and know that you're advocating for your son's health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether from healthcare providers, family, or support groups for parents in similar situations.
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