Yesterday, I wrote:
Three weeks ago, Justin woke up one Wednesday morning and couldn't walk. Fell right on the floor. He couldn't put any weight on his right leg. Travis had to carry him around the house and I planted him on the couch for the morning. Luckily it wasn't a school day. Anyway, when I realized it must be something more serious, I called our family chiropractor. She is amazing and I knew she could check him out and help us figure out what was going on with his leg. She immediately noticed that his knee was swollen and hot. She also could see that his one leg was bowed out a bit. So, she ordered an x-ray. She is a very conservative doctor and we knew she wouldn't order an x-ray unless she felt it was really needed. We went over to the clinic and Justin got his FIRST x-ray. After I assured him that he wouldn't need to grow a new leg, he was really excited about it. Mostly so he could see his own bones.
Later that day, after icing his leg and keeping off of it for a while, Justin could walk again. Hallelujah! Then we went back in so the chiropractor could read his x-ray. She determined that one of his legs is 3-4 millimeters longer than the other. Because of this, and the resulting compensation of the other leg, it has become a bit bowed. The next day she called to tell me that the radiologist had determined the same thing. They wanted another opinion and so we scheduled an appointment to see a recommended orthopedic surgeon. We have been waiting and waiting and now our appointment is tomorrow morning. In the meantime, Justin has been doing fine and only occasionally complains about his knee and leg. I'm so curious to find out what the doctor says. I'm hoping he only needs a little lift in one shoe to balance out his walking as he grows.
Now for today and my soapbox:
Travis came with us to Justin's appointment. I was really glad he was there because we had to wait a long time and could tag-team the kids. When the doctor finally talked to us, he said that he felt the leg length difference wasn't any big deal and that plenty of adults go walking around with an inch of length difference in their legs. What? No need for a lift in his opinion. Then he said that his concern was that Justin's knee was still swollen after 3 weeks. I agree. He started listing worst-case scenarios while Justin was getting really worried. What's that about? The doctor then said that he didn't really think Justin had any of those things. So he sent us home with stickers and a plan to come back in 3 weeks and see if there is any difference. What? Isn't that why we went to a specialist so we could get some answers? Frustrating. I have to say I'm glad to hear the length thing shouldn't be an issue for him and we'll just monitor that in the future. But for a "wait and see" for the rest? I could have said that myself. It felt like he was just guessing and I wanted to go to a specialist for some answers. I can see the merit in getting a 3rd and 4th opinion. Alright, I'll get down now...and go get Justin an ice pack.
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5 comments:
I would have been ticked! The specialist would have bothered me too. Doctors can be so frustrating.
So frustrating. I really do not love doctors.
Agghh!!! That is maddening! Especially when the specialist gives you all these worst-case scenarios (just to add to your worries), and then takes it all back saying he's probably fine -- but still not providing any answers. Poor little guy! I hope this gets resolved soon.
By the way, Jayce's right leg is shorter than his left (due to his club foot). It hasn't caused him any issues, yet, so hopefully it won't for Justin, either.
Grrrr! Doctors can be frustrating. I'm glad that you really like your chiropractor. Hopefully you won't see anymore issues with Justin's leg. I actually have uneven leg lengths and they've never bothered be until last year. I have a little knee injury - but I run a lot and I am 26! Anyway, my dad is a Dr. (that I trust!) and he told me to put an extra insole in my left running shoe . . . I hope it helps! Maybe Justin will have to do the same one day . . . but hey, they're only a few bucks!
I really don't have a lot of faith in Doctors, isn't that sad. But I still take someone in my family about once a week, isn't that even more sad! I'd get an insole. Good luck.
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