Friday, Leiah (my oldest) came home from school limping. The aid told me that someone tripped her (accidentally I hope) and she was crying a lot, but they didn't know where she was hurt. I was bit upset.
So, I checked her over she looked fine, she wasn't crying or really complaining about anything hurting. Saturday she was limping still, but not as bad. Sunday morning while my husband was changing her into her church clothes, he was looking at her ankle again. He was in their room a long time, and when he came out he had a serious look on his face. He laid her on the floor and made her very straight and we realized for the first time that her left leg is 1/2 inch longer than her right.
I noticed that she always put her full weight on one leg, and the other was always slightly bent, but I just thought that was her thing. Nope. Matt rigged up her shoe with a thicker sole and she did walk much better. Rather than take her to a regular doctor, we are taking her to a chiropractor today to get an x-ray. Children with trisomy 9 tend to have problems with joints dislocating, and it could be that her hip is out of place. (I would think she would be in a lot of pain though) I'm afraid a medical doctor would want to break the leg and then work on it.
Anyways, that's what I'm about to do- I dread it a lot- she totally freaks out when people touch her :(
***Edited to add: I went to the chiropractor and he said that her hip was rotated, meaning I guess that it's out of line. He said she needed a pediatric orthopedic specialist. He was quite angry that her pediatrician had not noticed this before, as am I. He (the chiropractor) even said this should have been identified at day one of her life. The whole time I have been the one to suggest things to the pediatrician, voicing concerns, pointing out problems etc. He is very laid back and easy going and I like him- he is a good Christian man, but, he has overlooked a lot of things. I am very upset that he didn't do more for Leiah as a baby.
This is so frustrating. Since her birth we've been to the pediatric heart specialist, the pediatric eye doctor, a developmental specialist, a pediatric neurosurgeon, a geneticist, and now we need the pediatric orthopedic, AND, we'll eventually need to get an ultrasound of her kidneys. I am thankful that she is doing so well, but this makes us realize even more that she needs some very intensive help.
We've decided to take her out of the public school and do something better. I request prayers for wisdom and guidance because I feel like I am in the dark. For 5 years now, we've been trying to put the pieces together ourselves, and now it all comes together and the 'if onlies' start. If only we had known before we could have...
But at least we do know now. I just need a lot of help because this is scary. Thanks.
5 comments:
You'll do fine! I feel that all these signs have been from God pointing her back to you to take charge of her care and schooling. Regardless of the religious aspect of homeschooling I personally feel you are better qualified to teach her than any educated specialist with formal degrees.
As for pediatricians....this is so typical that they would miss stuff. I have a severe hearing loss that went "undetected" by doctors and teachers until I was 12 years old!!!!!! I kept getting "disciplined" in class and by my parents for not listening and following directions.
You have been giving every indication that your gut instinct is to homeschool her. This is your AHA! moment. Take it and fly!
I'll keep you in our prayers. You can do it!
I will pray for you!
Our God is the One Who created her and He is leading you, every step of the way. Though you may not know the next step, He has you by the hand and will not let you be completely cast down.
Praying...
KH
I'm not sure if this is the same thing, but I was born with hip dyslpasia, as was my first daughter. You're right, they caught it on DAY ONE with my daughter (although I *did* tell them to do the extra checks due to my history). Because they found it early, she only had to wear a harness for maybe 6 weeks or so.
At least you know NOW! And I am very excited for you about the homeschooling aspect of this all. I believe, if you have a "special needs" child (that terms can cover MANY), it is even MORE important for the parent to be the main teacher. Of course you will get them the extra help they may need - but NO one knows her better than you and your dh. No one can teach her better than you. No one loves her more than you.
My prayers are with you, dear sister. Through your struggles, God will continue to draw you closer to Him - AWESOME!!
~Lori~
I'm sorry you have to go through this. It is disheartening (sp?) and frustrating. I learned early on to take charge of the medical aspects. My mom worked in a hospital for years and her boss told her once, " you are the employer, the doctor is the employee"! I have carried that with me through the years. My dd has a lot of developmental delays and I choose to homeschool for that very reason. I don't want her to me made fun of, (she's so sensitive) and I can help her with academics she struggles in and speed her through the ones she does great in! Plus, I am blessed our homeschool co-op has other special needs kids.
Whatever you choose to do, I know you will do it with lots of prayer support behind you. God created her this way for a reason, and He will give you the strength to go through whatever you need to go through with her. (I am stating this fact as much for myself as I am for you too!! ) ;-)
Cheryl
I'm so glad they finally discovered the problem with her hip, and praise God it didn't take longer. Chiropractors are awesome with diagnosing things that regular docs miss.
And congratulations on taking her out of school... it is very scary, having just done it myself. But with God standing beside you, you'll find your niche and do wonderful, much better than the public school will do.
You'll be in my prayers...
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