WAG Update: tomorrow is her last day (Perthes disease)

[LJL07]

Many hugs to you and your daughter. Please keep us posted on her health and new interests. I know how hard this is!

 

[gymmom10]

I’m so sorry and hate how life is just not fair sometimes...but it is a journey and this difficult time shall pass. Best of luck to you you both.

 

[amiandjim]

I’m so so sorry you are both going through this. Love and hugs to you both!

 

[gymbeam]

Best wishes to your girl! I’m so sorry it came to this! Hope she feels much better soon though !

 

[B&M's mom]

I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Rest assured that there is a whole wide world of things to get involved in and she will find something to make her heart sing again.

 

[QueenBee]

So sorry to hear your daughter has been in such pain these last few months. Sending positive thoughts and healing prayers. The strength she has built throughout her journey will last her a lifetime. And yes, I want updates as she moves forward...I've loved watching her videos you've shared and her sassy floor routines.

 

[John]

As everyone else has stated I am so sorry. life is just plain hard sometimes. Focus on her getting her healthy and when that is accomplished help her find her new thing. Thanks for the chalk dust to the eyes.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm thinking of you all today. I'm sorry that this is the outcome and that your DD isn't able to leave the sport on her terms. Gymnasts always persevere though and I look forward to a later update on your DD's new life post-gymnastics. Until then I hope she can get back to being pain free. Hugs to all of you.

 

[flipping_girls]

For anyone that hasn't been following, dd has had hip trouble dating back to January, and was diagnosed with Perthes disease this summer. A pretty devastating diagnosis for a gymnast at her age (12, training L7). We initially had hope after meeting with her orthopedic specialist said early stages of Perthes and who did not seem to think surgery was warranted and put her on a self limiting (according to pain) plan with 6 mos of PT/anti inflammatory meds. However, pain and flare ups increased over the last couple of months, meds were changed and added. We sought with a regenerative specialist to try some treatments during this wait and see time period and she had three rounds of prolotherapy ane one of PRP with positive results, a lot of improvement in pain level and stability and had her start wearing a shoe lift for her (close to one inch) leg length discrepancy. However, starting back to school (new school too ugh) has wrecked pure havoc on her condition. Severe pain from sitting in the hard chairs all day and walking around. Bearing weight became significantly harder and she has not been to able to go to practice (she was mainly doing bars/conditioning) but twice in the last few weeks. Then about a week ago, she lost the ability to bear any weight on it and has been using crutches. This is the natural progression of the disease if she is hittng the collapse phase which makes sense time wise but will be a few days before we can get back in to see her specialist. But the reality of it all....is really hitting home. We have decided that she will not be able to continue gymnastics....even if she tried to come back after healing, with the leg length discrepancy and all I'm not sure if her hip will ever be able to handle the impact of high level gymnastics. At this point I just hope that she can recover normal mobility and not need a hip replacement in her 20's. With that being said....I'm heartbroken, she's heartbroken and it's just been a very emotional, teary day. Tomorrow she will go in to clean out her locker and say goodbye to her teammates and coaches. I'm not even sure that I will be able to go, I might have to get DH to take her, b/c I will be a blubbering mess. She's an old timer in this sport, has been a gymnast for 8 years, and competed for 5. She's never been a kid who expected/wanted the Olympics or a college scholarship. She has stuck with this sport for the sheer joy of it. She's known as the kid who's always smiling in the gym. Haven't seen many of those smiles the last couple of weeks. I just wanted to update everyone. I know that this too shall pass, but it's just going to be a lot harder than I thought. I will still be around though and will try to check in. Thanks for everyone who has been here since I first posted when dd was in preteam. (picture posted from those days and one from this past season)View attachment 7367

I am so sorry, it just isn't fair. Praying for complete healing, and that she finds her smile again.

 

[JMACAZ]

I am so sorry. I have also followed her journey. I am hoping she can get her pain under control and find something else she loves. Please keep us updated.

 

[Flyaway]

Oh this just breaks my heart for her and you! I'm so sorry that her journey in gymnastics is coming to an end. I've so enjoyed your contributions here. Wishing lots of joy in whatever your dd pursues.

 

[GymMom4]

I can only echo what has already been said. It’s such a hard sport but one these kids grow to love. They have ups and downs and learn so much. I hope she finds something to fill the void of gymnastics and that she finds some relief for her condition.

 

[Sminty]

@cadybearsmommy, I've been following your journey in the social groups and your post was a tough one to read. So sorry to hear about what your DD is going through. I hope she is able to focus on healing and that she keeps positive memories from all her years in the sport. Hugs to the both of you.

 

[ginnymac]

So very sorry to read this! I hope she soon finds something to bring those smiles back!

On a side note, she clearly meets the criteria for 504 accommodations at school. Talk with your administrators about it. Under 504, she qualifies for accommodated seating, at the district's cost (at minimum) for pain relief. And any other needs she may have related to the Perthes.

Hugs!

 

[FutureGirls]

So very sorry to read this! I hope she soon finds something to bring those smiles back!

On a side note, she clearly meets the criteria for 504 accommodations at school. Talk with your administrators about it. Under 504, she qualifies for accommodated seating, at the district's cost (at minimum) for pain relief. And any other needs she may have related to the Perthes.

Hugs!

I wAs going to say that too. Demand a medical 504 and get her some help with cushy Chairs, text books at home and in classes so she’s not lugging them around... will also cover her for doctors appts and bad days when she needs to be home.

 

[Seeker]

Gosh, I am so sad to read this update. She has been through so much and it was clear how much she loved it. I am really heartbroken for her (and for you), but will hold out hope that she heals and can have some sort of involvement or return in the future. Even just a rec class or maybe a junior coach/camp counselor. Will hold her in my thoughts and hope she sees some light at the end of the tunnel soon.

I am so sorry.

 

[EGPtriumph]

I am so sorry your family is going through this. Prayers that your daughter will find another passion. My husband had Perthes too. He was diagnosed when he broke his leg at age 5 and it was discovered at that time. When I met him (at age 27) he had about an inch and a quarter leg length discrepancy and was dealing with a lot of back pain. He ended up having hip replacement at age 28 and after recovering, he was really glad he had the surgery. His back pain improved tremendously and he continues us to be active as a cyclist and via rock climbing (now age 44). I don't know if your daughter's journey will result in surgery as well but I just wanted to share that, for him, it was a blessing and improved his quality of life. Many many prayers for you all as you travel through this difficult situation.

 

[Amanda]

I am so sad to read this. I am sorry that this has meant an unwanted end of gymnastics for your daughter. It's not fair. I can imagine how hard this is for both of you. Will be praying for an end to her pain and new passions for her. I am sure she will bring so much that she has learned into all of life with her.

 

[gymdog]

Oh no. I remember when you first posted those I am hoping for the best and a treatment plan that can help her get back to normal activities. I hope that she can find another passion.

 

[PinPin]

So sorry to hear. Wishing her (and your family) all the best for a full recovery. Please keep us updated from time to time?