Answers and Questions

Tuesday we managed to snag a same day appt with a family practice doctor on post. I could write pages on how awful that doctor was, but won't. In spite of many issues with him, he did line up an appointment for Liam to see the ortho on site that afternoon. While we waited, Liam had blood drawn and another x-ray of his leg taken.

The ortho was very laid back, calm, and informed. He confirmed the diagnosis of Legg-Calves-Perthes Disease and showed us what it was in the x-ray that indicated this condition. He also showed us the x-ray of a child (anonymous) who was in an early stage of the disease. It seems that Liam has actually had this since March (at least) so it will probably only be another 18 months for it to run its course on this leg.

About 20% of children get LCP Disease bilaterally (in both legs), but he said he saw no indication of the disease in Liam's right leg. This is a relief to us because it would be showing by now (statistically speaking) if he were going to have the problem in his right leg as well.

Our fear that Liam would have problems walking until this heals was put to rest. He is limping because the hip is inflamed and painful. As he stays off the hip, it will become less inflamed and Liam will be able to walk normally again. The ortho indicated that there was no need to pull L out of gymnastics but that we would not want to take him when he is actively limping (duh). When he is not in pain, we have no reason to curb his activities.

Gabe and I were reassured to find out that this is not a result of anything we did or let him do. It just happens. As hard as it is to see Liam pulling himself around in a modified crawl, it would be so much harder to imagine that we weren't diligent enough to prevent this from happening.

We left the clinic feeling better about what Liam is going through, knowing that his age is a positive thing (he has much more time to fully heal), with an appt to return for a follow-up next week with the ortho we saw, and with an appt to take Liam to Syracuse to see a pediatric ortho just in case anything was missed here.

Liam's appointments to date are as follows: January 4- Syracuse to see the pediatric GI for issues totally unrelated to recent events; January 5- here to follow-up with this ortho; January 11- Syracuse to see the pediatric ortho.

January is going to be quite the busy month. Thanks to all who are praying with us and who have expressed support in any way. Good friends really help in situations like this one.