18 year old son complains of feeling like an old person

[Weezie66]

I am very concerned about my 18 year old son.  For the past 2-3 years he has gone complained of knee pain, both knees, elbow pain, neck and back pain.  He has had both knees operated on, due to wear and tear of his meniscus and laterial releases on both.
He was back at our specialist today and his options were cortisone shots, physical therapy (already maxed out visits for this year), and surgery again.
His back and neck are also bothering him, pain with movement, and now his elbows.  What is going on?  He is getting depressed because of whatever is going on.  
Any help or advice out there?
One of the worried Moms

[Liz94]

I agree with Cindee56, I'd go get some bloodwork. The things she mentioned along with thyroid disorders can cause those symptoms.  I had my thyroid removed due to cancer and when your body goes into a hypothyroid state you basically feel 150 years old. Every joint in your body hurts.  I'd start there, it's a simple blood test and very easily treated.

[Cindee56]

Has your son had any blood tests to check for other problems?  If it's affecting his other joints, things like RA, Lupus and other rheumatological diseases should be ruled out.  I would take him to a specialist if you haven't done that.  The orthopedic dr. can only do so much.