HSP Journey

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (pronounced: heh-nok shoon-line purr-puh-ruh) — usually just called HSP — is a condition that causes small blood vessels, or capillaries, to become swollen and irritated. This inflammation, called vasculitis, usually occurs in the skin, intestines, and kidneys. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin can leak red blood cells, causing a characteristic rash called purpura. Vessels in the intestines and kidneys also can swell and leak


My 7 year old son started showing symptoms last weds. Stomach pains last weds, & thursday. Friday he started limping, his right ankle to the knee was swollen, his right index finger knuckle was swollen, went to urgent care, they had no answers. He couldn't walk the rest of the evening. Saturday morning went to pediatrician and she diagnosed him, took urine sample said it was normal. Monday had follow up appointment, Dr. said he could go to school, tuesday he woke up and his left ankle was swollen, & he was unable to go to school. Tuesday night stomach pains were bad at nighttime, so I gave him Ibuprofen. Weds morning his wrists were both swollen, but he went to school. Weds after school, rash is starting to itch, and left ankle is swelling again. We have been doing this for a week now. The Dr. seemed to think this seemed like a pretty mild case. I WANT to think that, but I have read it can get good than bad. 

I am going to start blogging our journey down this path.  It is amazing that this can cause such symptoms one day and then the next he is almost normal.  I know that this is relatively short compared to some disorders, they say 4 weeks.  I am praying that this is a mild case, I feel pretty calm about it most days, but I have a lingering thought that we are just waiting for it to be full blown painful. There are so many stories online about kids being hospitalized numerous times from this.  I don't want  it to go there.  Seeing your child hurting and not being able to do much is so hard.  Looking forward to the end of this road.