A mother from Glasgow, Leeanne Taggart, recently shared the hidden signs of her six-year-old daughter’s arthritis that went unnoticed. Keavagh, who was an active child involved in dancing, swimming, and gymnastics, began experiencing pain and swelling in her joints following a minor stumble. It was this incident that led to her diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Being unfamiliar with the concept of arthritis in children, Mrs. Taggart initially found herself in a lonely and bewildering position. Arthritis is typically associated with older individuals, not kids. However, this condition, which only affects one in 1,000 children in the UK, can exhibit symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite, rash, and fever.
Keavagh’s arthritis symptoms didn’t become apparent until she fell while dancing with friends at a birthday party. Though she quickly got back up and continued dancing, the following day she experienced persistent pain and swelling in her knee. Assuming it was a sprain or twist, her mother took her to the hospital, where doctors discovered fluid around her knee and prescribed painkillers, as well as a referral to a physiotherapist.
Within two weeks, Keavagh’s condition worsened, rendering her unable to walk and resulting in weight loss. After numerous hospital visits, she underwent an MRI scan and a consultation with a physiotherapist, who subsequently referred her to a rheumatologist. It was then that Keavagh received her diagnosis of juvenile arthritis. Notably, there is no indication that the fall directly caused her arthritis, although falls can trigger a temporary form of arthritis.
Mrs. Taggart was completely devastated by the diagnosis, as it was incomprehensible that her six-year-old could have arthritis. Researching about the condition only intensified her fears. However, Keavagh remained initially unaware of the severity of her condition. Arming herself with crutches, she had to forgo school due to her inability to walk.
Keavagh’s treatment commenced with cortisone injections into her knees and ankles, which greatly improved her condition. However, due to the traumatic nature of the injections, her treatment was changed to a weekly injection in her thigh, causing her significant distress. Subsequently, her treatment was modified again after experiencing anxiety and sickness from a different medication. Presently, Keavagh administers her medication in liquid form daily, providing some relief.
In addition to dealing with arthritis, Keavagh also suffers from uveitis, a condition that can lead to eye pain and vision problems. As a precautionary measure, she undergoes hospital transfusions every six weeks to prevent the development of additional issues. This ongoing struggle has taken its toll on the family, prompting Mrs. Taggart to take time off work due to the overwhelming circumstances.
Fortunately, Keavagh has returned to school, giving her mother some relief. Mrs. Taggart now realizes the severity of her daughter’s condition and acknowledges that the fall was a blessing in disguise, as it led to a diagnosis. If left undiagnosed for longer, Keavagh’s symptoms could have worsened.
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