Hi folks, I became a member just yesterday and have found a wealth of knowledge and some great people with the same or similar conditions as I. My question today is about my son, but it isn't headaches. I am hoping to discover people that have found some answers to this enigma.
My son (just like people with CH) would awake in the middle of the night in extreme pain. He would complain that his leg(s) we bothering him. The only thing that would ease the pain would be to wrap his legs with an ace bandage.
Naturally, he's been to the doctor(s), had xrays, etc. Everyone just dismisses it as "growing pains" and tell me "he'll grow out of it". To me, that's just not an acceptable answer. That's like hearing your CH will go away eventually.
The pains haven't come back in some time now, but he does still get them on occasions.
Its hard to single out what it is that's hurting him because he's only 4 and he tenses his body when he's having these attacks. They would generally last for about and hour and just like CH's, he would be exhausted and pass out after they would pass.
I realize that my description of his condition was very vague, but its hard to get a 4 year old to describe their pain(s). I was hoping someone/anyone here may have experienced similar problems with their kids and could shed some light on this for me. I'm sick of doctors just wanting to sweep this under the rug. I realized this morning.....of all people, the members here would understand pain and would be helpful. It may be "just growing pain" and he may grow out of it, but when he's having them....they are killing me that I can't comfort him. Ugh....the doctors in the past were just so stupid and unwilling to offer any REAL help. I so wanted to break their legs and say "quit complaining....they will heal eventually, try using some topical ointment and ibproferen....if the pain continues go to the emergency room".

Sorry I've no answers but I do hope you find some for both you and your son.

Thanks, I appreciate your concerns. I'll just bumb this thread from time to time and perhaps somebody that has a child with a condition like my son's. As I mentioned, his "pains" are becoming less frequent. Sometimes, he'd awaken crying and I'd be have a monster attack. My poor girlfriend would have two people on her hands for an hour in extreme pain. I'm so glad that loves the both of us as much as she does.

Hi there,
Growing pains is the most ridiculous diagnosis you could possibly given. What it really translates to is "we haven't got a clue, so hopefully you will go away and not take up our time  with it".

If something hurts there is ALWAYS a reason. If I were you I would pressure and harass them - especially as the patient is a poor little child. It took 6 years for me to get a CH diagnosis, and then it was only because I turned up daily to my GP, in agony, and kicked up a fuss, and insisted that I be referred to specialists. In the end I think I was referred because they just wanted to get me out of their hair. What ever the reason, three different specialists later I finally got a diagnosis, and some help.

As I said there IS a reason for your little one's pain, and it's their job to find out what it is. It's what they get their big fat salaries for.

Pressure them and keep it up. Make them do their job instead of fobbing you off with a non diagnosis. Your little boy is worth it.

Good luck, and I hope you get some answers soon.
Maz.