Many people are wondering what is happening with Nathan's hip. Join the party! We are also still wondering. Here is what we know so far, and the questions our knowledge inspires.
Based on an MRI and a CT scan, Nathan does not have cancer. We were unsure about that for a while and spent a long weekend wondering if that would be the diagnosis. There is a higher bone density on the side that he is experiencing pain. The "impression" from the doctor reading the CT scan is that there is a "mild chronic stress reaction" of the iliac bone. But that is an unusual place to have that problem. The fact that something like that should have healed long before now has meant we get to see a doctor at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake. The doctor mentioned something about possibly having fluid "in there." I can't elaborate on something I don't understand.
We did that on Tuesday this week. They also agreed that nothing too serious or scary was going on (like cancer), but they were still unsure what was happening - exactly. Nathan had some blood drawn that day and we have an appointment next week for a full body scan. The scan is supposed to be even more in depth than a CT scan (which is more in depth than an MRI). They will have to give him some contrast of some kind and wait for it to work before they do the scan. We've been told to expect the appointment to last about 4 hours.
So now we are trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the kids on that day. School is out. It seems unnecessary to make them also take a 10 hour trip. It's the day before Thanksgiving so we could just hang out with family for the weekend, but Chad would have to meet us separately and there are animals to care for and we'd have to add packing to our plans. Besides, with all of the traveling we've been doing, and the stress we've been feeling, nothing seems more appealing than being home.
And that's an update on Nathan. Thankfully, his pain seems to have lessened. I think the physical therapy, while helping straighten out his back, was aggravating his hip. He is nearly pain free unless he has a day of a lot of extra activity.
Maybe my next post will be an update on Daniel!
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Jaw Trouble
It looks like I have to take Daniel in for his jaw. This has been going on for over 3 years. I don't know if I should take him to PT or the doctor for this recent trouble. One is cheaper now, the other is cheaper over all. One can only make certain moves to help him, but it might be enough. The other can make a decision to send us elsewhere if he feels it's time. Either one is going to be tricky since I don't have an appt and Daniel really needs relief NOW.
*sigh* I was hoping today might be a quiet day. I think that somehow I've been too wicked and am paying the price! (I am "this" close to busting out in tears!)
*sigh* I was hoping today might be a quiet day. I think that somehow I've been too wicked and am paying the price! (I am "this" close to busting out in tears!)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
New Diagnosis
I took Nathan back to the doctor a couple of weeks ago because I was never really satisfied with the "spastic hamstring" diagnosis and his situation has not been improving enough to ease my concerns. With him starting in the middle school this year, I wanted to try again to get to the bottom of the problem.
As it turned out, our referring doctor had never even heard back from the specialist that had given us the spastic hamstring diagnosis. He was concerned when I told him that Nathan lags behind the family when we are out, and that he has a pronounced limp. Our doctor referred us to another physical therapist, one that is even more specialized. He said if we couldn't get improvement with him, we'd likely be going to Primary Children's.
So Nathan had his first appointment with the PT yesterday morning. He asked us some background questions then had Nathan remove his shoes and shirt. Right away he noticed a problem in his back and said it looked like a compensatory scoliosis...meaning that something was causing a curve in his back. One side of Nathan's back was higher when he leaned over and one foot was turned in just a little.
He manipulated several spots on Nathan, found several motion restrictions and loosened him up quite a bit. After a short amount of time, the PT concluded that the scoliosis was not being caused by anything, rather it was causing Nathan's problems. He said it could explain Nathan's short stature as well because scoliosis can stunt growth.
Usually, this kind of scoliosis is discovered in Jr. High when the government funds health checks to catch it....right at puberty and its accompanying growth spurts. I feel good that we are aware even before that time.
The PT was very clear that we were not at the stages of this to be overly concerned. He told me not to look it up on the internet because it would just be a lot of scary stuff that didn't apply right now. Of course, he didn't know who he was talking to! I looked up a little last night. ;)
For now, Nathan has two more appts. scheduled over the next two weeks. I am hopeful that we will now be moving forward and getting Nathan some relief.
Yesterday afternoon, we were meeting Nathan's 5th grade teacher and I mentioned that he'd just been given the diagnosis of scoliosis that morning. (I wanted her to be aware, just in case he had a bad day in the first few days of school.) What a surprise we got when she said she also had scoliosis! Some people would call it a coincidence. I call it a blessing. And I said as much to Nathan on the way home. I told him I knew Heavenly Father was mindful of him and was watching over him. Really, on the VERY DAY he finds out? That is a tender mercy from heaven.
As it turned out, our referring doctor had never even heard back from the specialist that had given us the spastic hamstring diagnosis. He was concerned when I told him that Nathan lags behind the family when we are out, and that he has a pronounced limp. Our doctor referred us to another physical therapist, one that is even more specialized. He said if we couldn't get improvement with him, we'd likely be going to Primary Children's.
So Nathan had his first appointment with the PT yesterday morning. He asked us some background questions then had Nathan remove his shoes and shirt. Right away he noticed a problem in his back and said it looked like a compensatory scoliosis...meaning that something was causing a curve in his back. One side of Nathan's back was higher when he leaned over and one foot was turned in just a little.
He manipulated several spots on Nathan, found several motion restrictions and loosened him up quite a bit. After a short amount of time, the PT concluded that the scoliosis was not being caused by anything, rather it was causing Nathan's problems. He said it could explain Nathan's short stature as well because scoliosis can stunt growth.
Usually, this kind of scoliosis is discovered in Jr. High when the government funds health checks to catch it....right at puberty and its accompanying growth spurts. I feel good that we are aware even before that time.
The PT was very clear that we were not at the stages of this to be overly concerned. He told me not to look it up on the internet because it would just be a lot of scary stuff that didn't apply right now. Of course, he didn't know who he was talking to! I looked up a little last night. ;)
For now, Nathan has two more appts. scheduled over the next two weeks. I am hopeful that we will now be moving forward and getting Nathan some relief.
Yesterday afternoon, we were meeting Nathan's 5th grade teacher and I mentioned that he'd just been given the diagnosis of scoliosis that morning. (I wanted her to be aware, just in case he had a bad day in the first few days of school.) What a surprise we got when she said she also had scoliosis! Some people would call it a coincidence. I call it a blessing. And I said as much to Nathan on the way home. I told him I knew Heavenly Father was mindful of him and was watching over him. Really, on the VERY DAY he finds out? That is a tender mercy from heaven.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
HOT Summer...part 2
I complained earlier that it has been extra hot this summer. We've been in the 90's more than we haven't. It was 95 today. Thankfully, it is only supposed to get to 92 for both of the next two days.
This weekend, we had two children end up with heat rash (Daniel and Rebekah). The discomfort is obvious as they try not to scratch. We just coated them in hydrocortisone and hope that they feel some relief soon.
I have some concern for the heat next week as school starts. The elementary school doesn't have air conditioning. I am hoping for a quick entrance of Fall!
I'll be back to complain about the cold in 5 months. ;)
This weekend, we had two children end up with heat rash (Daniel and Rebekah). The discomfort is obvious as they try not to scratch. We just coated them in hydrocortisone and hope that they feel some relief soon.
I have some concern for the heat next week as school starts. The elementary school doesn't have air conditioning. I am hoping for a quick entrance of Fall!
I'll be back to complain about the cold in 5 months. ;)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
HOT Summer
This summer has been very hot! There have been more days in the upper 90's this summer than any other summer I can remember. That makes it very hard to be nice to each other. ;)
On that note, Daniel had a much better day today and only almost got himself in trouble at bed time. I am hoping that tomorrow will be good as well. If not, Operation Solitary Confinement will start.
Daniel had a physical therapy appt. today for his jaw. It was a scheduled visit and he wasn't hurting, but he has been, so we were hoping for just an adjustment. Then we got a call saying that his PT was sick, but we could get in with another guy. We did that and it may have turned out to be a good thing. We are trying to watch his posture and strengthening his neck muscles. Doesn't it sound strange that something like that would affect his jaw? There is so much about the body that I don't understand. I am amazed. And I am hopeful that we will find a way to manage his jaw pains.
Nathan's leg is still really tight and he lags behind when we go out. He hasn't asked for medicine for a while, so that is something. He sees an even more specialized PT next week.
Leah sees the doctor about her sleep walking tomorrow afternoon. I would love an answer about that, too!
Despite the pain and money it takes to look for relief from the pain, the kids are still robust and healthy. I know we could have it much worse and I'm thankful for what we don't have to face. Even so, we are getting very weary with the challenge we've been given.
My kids were introduced to "Kid History" on youtube.com this week. If you haven't seen it, you should check out the videos. There are several of them and they are very funny. (Little kids tell wacky stories and grown-ups act them out, lip syncing to the kids' voices.)
This is a short one...we thought it was funny. Search "Kid History" on youtube to find them all. :)
I am looking forward to possible rain/thunderstorms tomorrow!!
On that note, Daniel had a much better day today and only almost got himself in trouble at bed time. I am hoping that tomorrow will be good as well. If not, Operation Solitary Confinement will start.
Daniel had a physical therapy appt. today for his jaw. It was a scheduled visit and he wasn't hurting, but he has been, so we were hoping for just an adjustment. Then we got a call saying that his PT was sick, but we could get in with another guy. We did that and it may have turned out to be a good thing. We are trying to watch his posture and strengthening his neck muscles. Doesn't it sound strange that something like that would affect his jaw? There is so much about the body that I don't understand. I am amazed. And I am hopeful that we will find a way to manage his jaw pains.
Nathan's leg is still really tight and he lags behind when we go out. He hasn't asked for medicine for a while, so that is something. He sees an even more specialized PT next week.
Leah sees the doctor about her sleep walking tomorrow afternoon. I would love an answer about that, too!
Despite the pain and money it takes to look for relief from the pain, the kids are still robust and healthy. I know we could have it much worse and I'm thankful for what we don't have to face. Even so, we are getting very weary with the challenge we've been given.
My kids were introduced to "Kid History" on youtube.com this week. If you haven't seen it, you should check out the videos. There are several of them and they are very funny. (Little kids tell wacky stories and grown-ups act them out, lip syncing to the kids' voices.)
This is a short one...we thought it was funny. Search "Kid History" on youtube to find them all. :)
I am looking forward to possible rain/thunderstorms tomorrow!!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Double Duty
I have had the hardest time getting time to blog! Summer is definitely to blame. I also have a hard time justifying long amounts at the computer. Most of my visits lately have been short stops to sit for a minute, catching up on any recent updates in the world (or Facebook) and then up again to do something that seems more pressing.
That is all compounded by the fact that I am now pulling double duty. Chad has accepted a new job and doesn't always come home at night. He has to drive over 2 hours to get to the office, so it's not only cheaper for him to stay with his parents (they live another 30 minutes away from where is he is working), but he can't survive that many early mornings and long hours on the road.
He started his job less than three weeks ago and we are still making the adjustments. I was really feeling a little overwhelmed one afternoon and confided some tears to a friend. That night I was reading in Ether 6 with the kids. It's about the Jaredites in their barges, traveling for 344 days with their animals and provisions, separated from other friends and family and even bearing children. Ha! At least I am not stuck in my house with poopy animals and being tossed upon the waves. I have a new outlook! :)
It's all been a warm up for this week because Chad's church calling as scoutmaster has taken him away for the entire week to scout camp. He took Daniel. So it has been quieter, but it's a lot of responsibility.
Meanwhile, we had a cow go down. His legs just seemed to lose strength. Since a week ago Saturday, he's only been on his feet a handful of times. We don't even know what happened. But it's been hot and today was at least 95 degrees. The cow was failing and I finally had to call some friends for help. The cow was shot between the eyes, loaded into a dump truck and hauled away. Then I read scriptures with the kids and put them to bed. Just a normal day for the family!
As far as family health goes, Chad was reminded that he has high blood pressure. He was told that there wasn't really anything he could do about it now because he isn't overweight. Huh. Is that all it takes? Daniel has still been struggling with his jaw. (Come to think of it, I'm not sure he took any medicine with him to camp.) He has seen a physical therapist multiple times. It helps. Nathan has been diagnosed with spastic hamstrings and is often crying about his sore legs. He's just supposed to keep stretching the hamstrings and taking ibuprofen for the inflammation. He's taking medicine daily for the pain.
Leah is sleep walking regularly and is the most likely to have a nightmare. I had my first experience with vertigo two days before Chad was supposed to start his new job. On the 2nd day I was able to find help that was helpful. The first P.A. I saw (it's so hard to see a real doctor these days) gave me a medicine that made me very, very tired and still didn't stop the room from spinning. I was supposed to add Valium to that if it wasn't working. Yeah, right! How the heck was I going to care for my family on my own if I couldn't even function!? The 3rd P.A. I saw was able to preform an Epley Maneuver. It worked wonders on my vertigo. That was 4 weeks ago today. I still feel dizzy if I tilt my head the wrong way or spin around too quickly. But I don't need any medication, so I'm happy.
As for my relationship with my family? I rarely hear much from them. I am still OK with that. They don't know very much about what is happening my life or the lives of my children, but they don't seem bothered by that. So they shouldn't be surprised when they eventually hear about some major change...long afterward. Right? I am more bothered by my local friends who didn't make attempts to contact me when I stopped initiating contacts with them. That hurts more because they were the family I chose and they still decided I wasn't very important to them. I think of the therapist who told me I am hyper sensitive. How sensitive am I allowed to be before it's too much? I don't know. I'm not a brick, after all!
So, there's a really long excuse as to why I have not been blogging. I have been preparing some pictures to get myself caught up. Hopefully, I can get them posted before I forget the stories that go with them!
That is all compounded by the fact that I am now pulling double duty. Chad has accepted a new job and doesn't always come home at night. He has to drive over 2 hours to get to the office, so it's not only cheaper for him to stay with his parents (they live another 30 minutes away from where is he is working), but he can't survive that many early mornings and long hours on the road.
He started his job less than three weeks ago and we are still making the adjustments. I was really feeling a little overwhelmed one afternoon and confided some tears to a friend. That night I was reading in Ether 6 with the kids. It's about the Jaredites in their barges, traveling for 344 days with their animals and provisions, separated from other friends and family and even bearing children. Ha! At least I am not stuck in my house with poopy animals and being tossed upon the waves. I have a new outlook! :)
It's all been a warm up for this week because Chad's church calling as scoutmaster has taken him away for the entire week to scout camp. He took Daniel. So it has been quieter, but it's a lot of responsibility.
Meanwhile, we had a cow go down. His legs just seemed to lose strength. Since a week ago Saturday, he's only been on his feet a handful of times. We don't even know what happened. But it's been hot and today was at least 95 degrees. The cow was failing and I finally had to call some friends for help. The cow was shot between the eyes, loaded into a dump truck and hauled away. Then I read scriptures with the kids and put them to bed. Just a normal day for the family!
As far as family health goes, Chad was reminded that he has high blood pressure. He was told that there wasn't really anything he could do about it now because he isn't overweight. Huh. Is that all it takes? Daniel has still been struggling with his jaw. (Come to think of it, I'm not sure he took any medicine with him to camp.) He has seen a physical therapist multiple times. It helps. Nathan has been diagnosed with spastic hamstrings and is often crying about his sore legs. He's just supposed to keep stretching the hamstrings and taking ibuprofen for the inflammation. He's taking medicine daily for the pain.
Leah is sleep walking regularly and is the most likely to have a nightmare. I had my first experience with vertigo two days before Chad was supposed to start his new job. On the 2nd day I was able to find help that was helpful. The first P.A. I saw (it's so hard to see a real doctor these days) gave me a medicine that made me very, very tired and still didn't stop the room from spinning. I was supposed to add Valium to that if it wasn't working. Yeah, right! How the heck was I going to care for my family on my own if I couldn't even function!? The 3rd P.A. I saw was able to preform an Epley Maneuver. It worked wonders on my vertigo. That was 4 weeks ago today. I still feel dizzy if I tilt my head the wrong way or spin around too quickly. But I don't need any medication, so I'm happy.
As for my relationship with my family? I rarely hear much from them. I am still OK with that. They don't know very much about what is happening my life or the lives of my children, but they don't seem bothered by that. So they shouldn't be surprised when they eventually hear about some major change...long afterward. Right? I am more bothered by my local friends who didn't make attempts to contact me when I stopped initiating contacts with them. That hurts more because they were the family I chose and they still decided I wasn't very important to them. I think of the therapist who told me I am hyper sensitive. How sensitive am I allowed to be before it's too much? I don't know. I'm not a brick, after all!
So, there's a really long excuse as to why I have not been blogging. I have been preparing some pictures to get myself caught up. Hopefully, I can get them posted before I forget the stories that go with them!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Medical Mysteries
I know. I have been missing. I have been BUSY! School is finally out, so I am looking forward to things slowing down a little. (I may be delusional, but everyone needs to have hope in their life.)
Where do I start? The foremost events in our lives right now are the battles Daniel and Nathan are waging against pain.
Daniel's jaw pain is back. We're speculating it may be from his most recent trip to the orthodontist, where he had more of his build ups ground off and molds taken for a new retainer. I guess we'll see if we're right...he has to go back for his retainer check tomorrow. Since Friday, Daniel has been taking pain killers constantly. He is currently taking ibuprofen and hydrocodone...one or the other every 3 hours. He did make it 5 hours today...a major step.
Nathan's problem is much more confusing to all of us, including the doctors. For some reason, his pelvic bone twisted...one side forward, the other side back. Because of this, the ligaments in his rear end tightened up. He walks like he's survived polio. He can't really run. Additionally, the muscles in his back are so tight that one shoulder hikes up, the other one doesn't move much, and the spine is pulled into a curve.
Both boys have been seeing physical therapists. Daniel's initial visits with the PT did wonders for him, so we're a little frustrated that two visits since the orthodontist have left him no better. Nathan has also seen improvement, but not like Daniel did. They can work on him and loosen him up, but things go almost back to where they started.
Our insurance doesn't cover physical therapy and each half hour session costs $75. I am praying for miracles!!
I don't know why the boys have been given these trials, or what they should be learning from them. But they have been amazing troopers (Daniel has been suffering for almost 3 years now) and we all still find ways to laugh about it sometimes.
Add to that, Sarah has been fevering off and on since Friday (at least). I finally took her in and she has an ear infection. Her cough the past 3 nights has been torture to hear. She makes child #3 taking medication in this house!
Where do I start? The foremost events in our lives right now are the battles Daniel and Nathan are waging against pain.
Daniel's jaw pain is back. We're speculating it may be from his most recent trip to the orthodontist, where he had more of his build ups ground off and molds taken for a new retainer. I guess we'll see if we're right...he has to go back for his retainer check tomorrow. Since Friday, Daniel has been taking pain killers constantly. He is currently taking ibuprofen and hydrocodone...one or the other every 3 hours. He did make it 5 hours today...a major step.
Nathan's problem is much more confusing to all of us, including the doctors. For some reason, his pelvic bone twisted...one side forward, the other side back. Because of this, the ligaments in his rear end tightened up. He walks like he's survived polio. He can't really run. Additionally, the muscles in his back are so tight that one shoulder hikes up, the other one doesn't move much, and the spine is pulled into a curve.
Both boys have been seeing physical therapists. Daniel's initial visits with the PT did wonders for him, so we're a little frustrated that two visits since the orthodontist have left him no better. Nathan has also seen improvement, but not like Daniel did. They can work on him and loosen him up, but things go almost back to where they started.
Our insurance doesn't cover physical therapy and each half hour session costs $75. I am praying for miracles!!
I don't know why the boys have been given these trials, or what they should be learning from them. But they have been amazing troopers (Daniel has been suffering for almost 3 years now) and we all still find ways to laugh about it sometimes.
Add to that, Sarah has been fevering off and on since Friday (at least). I finally took her in and she has an ear infection. Her cough the past 3 nights has been torture to hear. She makes child #3 taking medication in this house!
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