Orthopedic update - Spine Summer 2016

Welcome to Summer!!  Thomas has several check ups that are coming up during the summer months. It is nice to have the day to go to the appointments without him missing school but it also means that we ALL get to go.  It seemed to work out fine though, in fact, I think it was extremely beneficial for the brothers to be a part of Thomas' experiences so that they have a better understanding.

After years of x-rays, he has this down pat now.  He still gets a bit nervous and jumpy, but today with his brothers in attendance.  He stood tall for his x-rays and was a champ!!  He knows the drill and is so happy to stand for them and not have to lay down, he hates that!!!!  Here he is being super serious for his test today.

Today was Thomas' check up for his spine.  We changed doctors last year and couldn't be happier.  The office and the doctor are just wonderful with their bedside manner and competence.

First off, the best news is that Thomas has had some growth in the last year and his bones have stayed stable.  He still has great flexibility and is able to move without pain or discomfort.  The doctor again stated that Thomas is to do no contact sports that just being a 'boy' will be enough for his bone structure.  Here was our topics of discussion:

This x-ray is looking straight on at Thomas.  The top portion is some hemi vertebrae.  It may be hard to see here, but it is where the bone is made up of two triangles balanced on top of each other instead of a solid rectangle.


The lower portion gets a little more complicated.  There are more hemi vertebrae like above with kyphosis. 

The good news here is despite the anomalies in his spine, his head lines up over his pelvis.  This is wonderful!!  He has curves in his spine, also known as scoliosis, but in the end his body is balancing itself out and is working for him.

Here is the second topic for today.  If you look at his x-ray from the side view, you can see the area marked with the arrow.  His spine sway far inward where the majority of the anamolies are located.  This is the biggest area of concern.  However, at this time the doctor doesn't feel we should do anything.  He is more on the conservative side of things, which as a mother I appreciate.  He stated that some surgeons would jump right in and correct this area.  But looking at Thomas as a whole, he sees no reason to do surgery at this time.  We will definitely keep a close eye on this area and monitor it and make those decisions as they become necessary.


Today, we are thankful that things are still stable and there hasn't been any unexpected changes or surprises.  We go back in 6 months for another round of x-rays.

Thank you for always supporting sweet Thomas in your thoughts and prayers.  We appreciate you!!





James 1:1-27   "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ... "