Life's little challenges

We have made some progress in our quest to find out why Nolan has leg pain and low stamina. Or, maybe we haven't made any progress at all.

On Wednesday, Nolan went to the pediatric orthopedic doctor again. His physical therapist met us there. I cannot tell you how grateful I was that she was there. My concerns were taken much more seriously. She was very specific about the skills Nolan struggles with (he can't hop or jump on his left leg, or balance on it). She also mentioned that while Nolan's ability to walk on the treadmill has improved, he still can't do more than 20 minutes (when he started therapy, he could do 4 minutes). The physician assistant ordered some more x-rays and it was determined that Nolan had a curve to his spine, but it is not severe enough to be scoliosis. The therapist's suspicion was also confirmed--Nolan's left leg is shorter than his right.

Both of these items will be monitored as he grows, to make sure the problem doesn't get worse. So, that's good. However, neither of these problems would be causing his pain and strength issues. They don't think these are orthopedic problems.

So now we are being referred to a neurological/developmental doctor through Mary Free Bed. I just want answers. I don't want to see Nolan struggling to keep up with his classmates. I just hope and pray that whatever is wrong with Nolan is something that he can overcome.