Regrowth

We went to the specialist today and have great news...there is a lot of regrowth and it is contained! Even though it was less than 3 months since our last appointment, there is obvious regrowth on the X-rays! We went in because Andrew has been having a ton pain and trouble walking for more than 3 days in a row. I was prepared for horrible news, but we didn't get that. The specialist doesn't know exactly what is causing his pain, but they also say Perthes is one of those diseases that don't follow any specific path. Every patient is different.

Andrew will have to start therapy to help with the pain, change his pain meds and do more swimming. Also, he will be getting a wheelchair to help when during the long summer activities such as parades, zoo trips, etc. He was just getting too tired and in too much pain if we didn't anything that required a lot of walking or standing, this is a great fix, since he doesn't fit in a stroller (nor would he go in one), the wagon will still be used for some "off road activities" - but that is getting really heavy to pull with him in it. Also, lets not forget how fun it is to carry 60 lbs on your shoulders for 2 days in a row - NOT!!!

This is a very brief explanation of today, but all that matters is that we are 1 step closer to healing and he is now in the regrowth phase of the disease. Wish him luck that he can continue to stick to his restrictions and continue with only good news.

Thanks!
Caryn

Quick change

After what seemed to be a great last 6 months and quickly turned into the opposite when it comes to Andrew's hip. He went from very little pain and us easily being able to manage it, to having troubles walking and always in pain. Because of this I called the specialist and we are headed there today. Wish us luck that it is just the weather changes and not something bigger.

Too much time has passed

I know it has been way too long since I have posed again. Things have been crazy busy. Moved, now at home with kids full time, loving it. Love being by family all the time.

The kids have adjusted great. Andrew is loving school here. He was doing really good for a very long time. We had an appointment less than a month ago. Last appt we thought there might be some regrowth, that is not the case, he has some more fragmentation occurring, but not on the outside part of the ball. It seems to be contained to the middle. Which is good and bad. Good because the outsides aren't being affected, but bad because he still has fragmentation. In the last 2 weeks his pain level has gone way up. He has had some trouble walking in the morning and no longer partakes in recess at school. He has been sitting in the office or hanging out with the teachers. Don't think that is too much fun for him. It has been frustrating because he no longer listens when we say take it easy, stop running, don't jump, etc. He is passed listening to us and doesn't want to sit still anymore. Not sure what to do next. Daddy is better and being strict with it and chasing him down. I just sit and shake my head and wonder what damage he did today. Hopefully this is just a very short stage and growth will restart before our next appt. Our next appt is in Sept and we can't wait to see what that brings.

We know we have been very lucky so far and hope to stay that way. Wondering what would have happened if we didn't discover he had Perthes so early?

I will try and not as much time before my next post. Thanks for reading!!!!