Friday, February 29, 2008

Update: Life's Dramas

Chels is scheduled for a MRI.  The Orthopedists stated her knee is stable (which means no ligament damage), which I am grateful; but because of her symptoms she could either have some torn cartilage or this pain can come from growing.  I had no idea that pain so severe could come from growing. 

 

This is how it was explained:

Chels had a large growth spurt over the last year; approximately 3 inches.  So, when that happens the muscles, tendons, ligaments etc. cannot accommodate and strengthen as quickly. 

The muscles and other soft tissue behind the knee become stronger, while the soft tissue on the front side become weaker.  When this happens it becomes difficult for the leg to be fully extended.

We will know for sure after the MRI, but he seems pretty sure this is the cause; especially after I told him about her sudden height jump.  We have been seeing osgoodthese Orthopedists for the last two to three years and so far they have always hit the 'nail on head' so to speak.

Thankfully, if this is the case, she will only require some physical therapy to get the muscles and tendons back in working order.  While researching this new information I found what the doctor was speaking of: 

 

                          Osgood Schlatter Syndrome/Disease.

 

We are still dealing with the swelling, stiff joints.  When I mentioned to him about her symptoms he felt this could be related, but also agreed with me; if Chels has JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) it may not show in her blood for a couple of years. 

For the moment it looks like we may have a diagnosis on the current knee pain (once we get the MRI next week), but it just happened to coincide with all of her other symptoms.

All in all, I feel better today and feel ultimately everything will be A-OK!  Thanks for all of the well wishes.

 

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8 comments:

Mom Knows Everything said...

Hope you and your family has a great weekend!

FENICLE said...

Doesn't sound fun at all!!! I always hate to see kids suffering. Hope she is resting well and all goes ok with the MRI. Isn't it amazing what a growth spurt can do to your body?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a drama "queen" on your hands. Lol.

Laura said...

Mandy: haha, actually I would have thought that too, except she has had so many problems in her short life (13 yrs) and doesn't normally cry alot. For her to cry over pain it is bad. She didn't cry this much over broken bones.

Thankfully the prednisone is helping some now; but I definitely get what you mean...kids...haha. Oh and I do have one of 'those' drama 'queens'. My 11 year old whines about every little pain...drives me nuts. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

All drama aside, this must be a very difficult situation for you and your family. I hope that you get some solid answers and find the help you need to make your honey feel better, soon! Thanks for sharing the information; something to think about, the next I hear an "Ouch, it hurts."

Laura said...

You are always so sweet Liz, thanks. This too shall pass...right? :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for tagging me :)
This post of yours caught my attention because my oldest son has had this same thing...SEveral years ago he was tested for JRA, but the doctor didn't think that's what it was because he said he would want to see the symptoms for 6 straight weeks. The problem is that about5 times per year, he gets extremely swollen joints and is unable to walk for a week and then the symptoms go away. REcently, his jaw was effected and went out of place...after a couple of days it went back into place...I actually wrote a blog about it several days ago. It's been on my mind alot...wondering if the doctor could have made a mistake...His final diagnosis was that my oldest son has extremely loose joints and thus prone to sports like injuries...

Laura said...

Her knee is still bothering her. It gets slightly better with some exercise, but doesn't take long before it hurts so much she has to elevate her leg. I just feel so bad for her. Diagnosing kids can be really frustrating. I will definitely keep updates coming.