Our 2nd Appointment with Dr. Deering...

I don't know about you, but whenever I am at the doctor's office I get into this crazy mode where I am really focused on what I need to ask because I always feel rushed. Most of the time I forget something; and it's just a mess....

So here I am in a daze, focused.. and its our turn. The intake nurse didn't know anything about Blounts disease and nothing of the Thera-Tog braces... I was patient because this is such a rarity; he probably will only see it again a few times in his career. We head back to X-Ray; and for some reason Ben was not cooperative this time. It took myself and another technician to hold him down. It was sad; but I'm usually okay with those kinds of situations. It has to be done for him to get better. Finally we get to see Dr. Deering, and I remember how much I like her! She is in NO way rushing me... we are having conversation about Blounts, and treatments, and she took the time to answer all of my questions. We looked at the x-rays, and it was pretty obvious to me, that Ben's disease is causing more damage to his bones.

This is a diagram showing the metaphyseal-epiphyseal changes in the tibia...

These are Ben's X-rays to compare from our last two visits...

 

October 2010



January 2011



For Ben, his left leg ( which is on the right side of the picture ) is much more severe than his right. And it is obvious to see that just in the past 3 months, the shape of his bones have changed. Although Ben is walking better, his rotation looks better... Thanks to the Thera-Tog! It's hard to tell what's going on on the inside though.

So after examining the X-rays; we decided to use a KFO brace on Ben's left leg; but still continue to use the Thera-Tog on both legs. The KFO, also called the KAFO brace, will start at Ben's hip and go all the way down into his shoe. It's also a very unique brace in that, it will be specially made for Ben. We are going this week down to an Orthodic Specialist to get a cast made of Ben's leg, so that we can special order the brace. It will take about 3 weeks to get in.

I also talked to Dr. Deering about adding a Vitamin D-3 supplement to Ben's diet. I"m still doing research; but it is supposed to be the very best thing for bone growth. I went to the natural foods store in my town and was able to find the D-3 in infant drops.... one drop a day... every little thing helps at this point.

While at the appointment we also decided to donate Ben's old Wheaton Brace. Given that we can't use it to treat Blounts, and they are pretty expensive. I'm sure that it will go to a child in need.

So the next step in our journey through Blount's Disease is to get the new brace! I will post pictures and keep you posted through this next part of the process!