Hello, my KickAs friends! It has been a long time since I was back here with you. Thankfully, my AS (officially: undifferentiated spondylarthropy) has been giving me a break, so my life is very busy: homeschooling 3 boys, Boy Scouts, karate, music lessons, field trips, new home business, etc. I've missed y'all but have sent many people your way.
I have come to ask for some advice. I am fine experimenting on my own AS with Low Starch diet (TOTALLY works for me), Pilates, chiropractic, etc. But now my 8 y.o. very active son is having more severe join pains. My family is already gluten-free, so I hate to take all those treats away and make him Low Starch. My rheumy has ordered 2 blood test for me that should confirm that I should be eating low starch. Has anyone else heard of the new blood test like that? I didn't write down the name and the test isn't back yet, but I think it is an IgA. I'll be asking for that test for him at his appointment Monday.
Please tell me what has worked for knee, ankle, back pain for your child with AS. I was thrilled to have something on hand that worked for severe knee pain: wintergreen and peppermint essential oils. I have just started using and telling others about Young Living (www.youngliving.com) oils and have had many people with AS and other arthritis pain tell me that wintergreen works. We applied it before bed, but didn't use enough, I think, so he had a painful night. In the morning I put much more on and added the peppermint to help absorption. In an hour, "Look, Mom, I can walk normally again." In 2 hours, "Look, I can run!" We have reapplied 2x/day and the pain has not returned. I am SO grateful to have something that works without side effects.
Would you pursue a diagnosis, or just treat on your own so he isn't burdened with that on his medical record until it is necessary?
Any other tips?
I look forward to chatting with you all.
I have a quiet house with my husband and boys camping this weekend. Woohoo! That is why I have time to see y'all again.
Hope everyone enjoys a great weekend!
Ann
mom to three boys 8, 10, 12
Diagnosed with spondylitis in 2004
pharmacist who now seeks natural therapies including NSD & essential oils
