Alright, today, Thursday, I brought Amaya back to the doctor. I felt that they should be seeing what I am seeing with all her "crookedness". Donna examined her, then actually went and got Dr Dixon to see too. He thought that the difference in the length of her legs was "pretty significant", as was the difference in the height of her hips. They got her in to physical therapy today at 300pm. Donna also said that sometimes they will call back to the office with their preliminary thoughts if they had an interesting patient (of course, Amaya will be interesting).
Three o'clock we meet a nice man named Marty at the Spine and Sports therapy place. He makes Amaya feel comfortable and she even laughs at times. Marty finds many things wrong from a therapist's point of view, but figures that she will need some pretty specific tests to see what is all the cause of it.
Some problems:
Amaya is "knock knee'd" which she has been since she was very little, except she has a pretty "significant" angle on the L lower leg. (where it is supposed to go straight down from the knee, hers angles outward.
Her L foot's ROM (range of motion) is that of a board. There is no give, where it is supposed to give.
Her R hip area is extremely tight.
Her L side, rib area is extremely tight with limited ROM. She is not even able to rock her hips from side to side, because it is that tight. She has to literally pick up her L leg to move her hip on that side.
When she stands up, she doesn't straighten her L leg. #1, because it hurts, and #2 because of the hip and whatever else problem.
Basically she is all crooked. This is so crazy, because before the leg pain, there was none of this. We haven't noticed anything wrong, nor have there been any complaints.
She has trouble getting pants on, getting shoes on, walking, or even just getting into the van. It is so sad to see. I am praying that this will be something that is easily treated, and then she will be able to get back to her normal activity.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I Lean
There truely is something going on with Amaya. So, this morning, after talking with the doctor's office, Amaya was standing in the kitchen. The one leg all cock eyed, as the usual lately.
Mom: Stand up and see if you can straighten both of your legs.
A: I can't
M: Why not?
A: I can't because one of my legs is shorter than the other...
M: What do you mean, your leg is shorter than the other?
A: I can't because this leg is shorter than this leg!!
M:What? Your leg is shorter than the other leg??????? Sit down and let me see.
Amaya sat on the floor and extended both of her legs, and sure enough, the R leg is 1-2 inches shorter than the L leg. (Are you kidding me????)
M: How long has it been this way, when did you notice it?
A: When I swing on the swings I notice it. (Seriously, since Summer??? This is what I am thinking....BAD MOM!!)
I proceed to call Scott and tell him what is happening, then make a call to Dr Dixons, to cancel the ortho appt here in Grand Haven and tell them what is going on and that I want a pediatric orthopedic, because this is going to be a chronic thing. I am sad. I am thinking of the future, will she be a gimp? Will she have one leg shorter than the other? Will she be the "I lean", in the joke- What do you call a girl with one leg shorter than the other? Will she have a cane, will she be able to get a boyfriend? Will she be able to play sports, will she be able to ride horses?? (she would be so completely sad) I know, I know, stupid thoughts at a time like this, and to be honest, I am sooooooo much happier with a short leg in comparison to Leukemia. But, these are my thoughts at this point.
In further inspection of my beautiful specimen. I think that her hips are crooked. So it might not be the leg and be something completely different. Whatever the problem, it is still there and we need to follow up with ortho. (It can't be soon enough for me)
More thoughts...will she need surgery? Okay, I need to stop thinking about it and wait to see the doctor. That is what I have decided, and I am alright with this now. It has taken me all day to get to this point, but it is okay, and she will be okay.
Glass is full, Glass is full!!!
Mom: Stand up and see if you can straighten both of your legs.
A: I can't
M: Why not?
A: I can't because one of my legs is shorter than the other...
M: What do you mean, your leg is shorter than the other?
A: I can't because this leg is shorter than this leg!!
M:What? Your leg is shorter than the other leg??????? Sit down and let me see.
Amaya sat on the floor and extended both of her legs, and sure enough, the R leg is 1-2 inches shorter than the L leg. (Are you kidding me????)
M: How long has it been this way, when did you notice it?
A: When I swing on the swings I notice it. (Seriously, since Summer??? This is what I am thinking....BAD MOM!!)
I proceed to call Scott and tell him what is happening, then make a call to Dr Dixons, to cancel the ortho appt here in Grand Haven and tell them what is going on and that I want a pediatric orthopedic, because this is going to be a chronic thing. I am sad. I am thinking of the future, will she be a gimp? Will she have one leg shorter than the other? Will she be the "I lean", in the joke- What do you call a girl with one leg shorter than the other? Will she have a cane, will she be able to get a boyfriend? Will she be able to play sports, will she be able to ride horses?? (she would be so completely sad) I know, I know, stupid thoughts at a time like this, and to be honest, I am sooooooo much happier with a short leg in comparison to Leukemia. But, these are my thoughts at this point.
In further inspection of my beautiful specimen. I think that her hips are crooked. So it might not be the leg and be something completely different. Whatever the problem, it is still there and we need to follow up with ortho. (It can't be soon enough for me)
More thoughts...will she need surgery? Okay, I need to stop thinking about it and wait to see the doctor. That is what I have decided, and I am alright with this now. It has taken me all day to get to this point, but it is okay, and she will be okay.
Glass is full, Glass is full!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Glass Half Full
Last week, Amaya and I went to Meijer. When we walked in, I noticed a young girl, about Amaya's age who was bald. Within 10 seconds, Amaya noticed her too, and made a little noise....like she was scared. I explained to her that sometimes people, including little kids, have to take medicine that can make their hair fall out. Still, she was a bit hesitant, and told me it made her scared, because she had never seen a bald little girl before. Then we were off to do our shopping.
Amaya's left thigh hurts. It has for 10 days. She started limping on it on a Saturday, after her basketball game. Scott watched the game, and said she never limped, hurt herself, or even complained of it during the game, so as far as we know, there is no real injury to it. There is no bruise, redness, swelling, hard bump or anything that would indicate a problem, just pain. This pain increases when she walks ( aka weight bearing). Last Thursday, still in pain, and walking like a gimp, I decided that she shouldn't still be in pain, and decided that she go see the doctor, so off we went. Donna, the nurse praticioner, said that she thought that it was a torn muscle, got an xray (which came back negative), and said that we should give it time, motrin, hot compresses/soaks, and use a heating pad. Like a good doobie, we did as she said.
Today is Tuesday, 10 long days after this started. Amaya came home from school crying, "I can't even keep up with my kids at school to walk with them, because it hurts too bad". She says that the pain is worse and is even hurting at rest, when sitting. Still no signs of injury, such as bruise, redness, etc.... I even called the school and talked with Mrs. Clauss (Amaya's teacher) to see how she has been at school. She said that she was actually going to write me a note about it today, because she is still having trouble with it hurting, and walking.
I'm a nurse and all, and believe that I have a good base knowledge on this kind of stuff, but sometimes I tend to put stuff off longer than other people (like the time that Jake was hospitalized for 7 days and diagnosed with asthma). Sometimes, I over react....I always think the worst! I didn't in this case, OK, I thought it, but didn't dwell on it, or even voice it to anyone, but thought it.
I decided, after trying to get ahold of our doctor without answer, that I would bring her to DeVos Children's Hospital. I want a pediatric radiologist to read the xray. I do trust a regular rad, but I think that I trust a ped's one so much more when it comes to my kids. We got up to the ER at 530pm, and didn't get into a room til around 730. Holy smokes, that is a busy place. The doc came in, got more xrays, then decided after the xrays came back negative that they were going to do some blood tests. Because there is no apparent injury, and she has this continued pain, we have to rule out something like leukemia, and some other stuff. OK, I admit it, I did think it, but thought it was a way out, far fetch of an idea. I mean, come on, it is just a hurt leg!! Anyways, that was me trying to soothe myself in my head. I knew better than that, it is a possibility. I just didn't want to believe it was possible. I told Amaya that she had to have her blood drawn, and she started to cry. I wanted to cry so bad, but didn't want to scare her. She kept telling me that she was scared, and I would talk to her, telling her about the pending procedure, all the meanwhile, in my head I was the one scared, thinking of that little girl at Meijer without the hair, and how she was scared of her bald head. Wondering how she would be without her hair, when she is just beginning to grow it out again. As we sat there talking, and keeping her mind off the impending poke, I got some pictures out of my purse. Once again, back to the hair, she was complimenting herself on her long hair when she was 2 yrs younger. How ironic it was for me.
They came and drew her blood, and she did a fabulous job (with the help of some EMLA cream-numbing). Tick tock, tick tock......time went by. We read an entire chapter book, and finally the doc came back in.
All the lab tests came back negative!! We don't know what is going on, but we do know that it isn't the big stuff, is what he told us. Follow up in 2 days if not better (she will need an orthopedic referral if this continues). Amaya has no idea of what this night meant to me, or to Scott. All I wanted to do is go and vomit. Get dressed, we are going home!
I pray to God pretty much daily. I am not all fancy about it. It is usually at the silliest of times, like driving down the road, just hanging with my kids, or whenever I feel the urge. I make sure that I don't only pray when I need something, mostly it is for other people, but many times it is just to say that I am thankful for my family, their health, and the friendships that I have.
I grew up in a more pessimistic household. There wasn't much optimism, so I am one to look around and wonder. I guess that as I was in that ER room, I was wondering, is this what God has in store for us? Is this what He thinks that we need, leukemia? As I sat in the waiting room there, looking around, there was a little girl, must have been about 5, but looked small for her age. She was pale and sickly looking. If I had triaged her at my work, I would have brought her right back. We waited at least 1 1/2 hours near her, went for an xray, came back and was called into a room before her. I heard her mom say that she passed out at home, yet, she seemed so calm. I assumed that this must not be new for her, and that they have been in before. I felt sad, like why me? All my kids are healthy, I have a good life. Why is she the sick one, why was she chosen to be sick? What does He have in store for us? It is not good to sit and wait in life to see what bad things are going to happen. I just can't help it. I have been through a lot in my life, just different stuff. I have to be optimistic...the glass if half full!!! (damnit)
After all the thinking that I have done tonight, Amaya came home and had a funny grin on for Scott. She was hiding her hand behind her back, like she had something to show him. She did, her battle wound from the blood draw, and her ID band from the hospital. She has no idea, other that she just had an xray and some labs drawn, and that she got to stay up late on a school night. She is happy, she is an optimist!!
Amaya's left thigh hurts. It has for 10 days. She started limping on it on a Saturday, after her basketball game. Scott watched the game, and said she never limped, hurt herself, or even complained of it during the game, so as far as we know, there is no real injury to it. There is no bruise, redness, swelling, hard bump or anything that would indicate a problem, just pain. This pain increases when she walks ( aka weight bearing). Last Thursday, still in pain, and walking like a gimp, I decided that she shouldn't still be in pain, and decided that she go see the doctor, so off we went. Donna, the nurse praticioner, said that she thought that it was a torn muscle, got an xray (which came back negative), and said that we should give it time, motrin, hot compresses/soaks, and use a heating pad. Like a good doobie, we did as she said.
Today is Tuesday, 10 long days after this started. Amaya came home from school crying, "I can't even keep up with my kids at school to walk with them, because it hurts too bad". She says that the pain is worse and is even hurting at rest, when sitting. Still no signs of injury, such as bruise, redness, etc.... I even called the school and talked with Mrs. Clauss (Amaya's teacher) to see how she has been at school. She said that she was actually going to write me a note about it today, because she is still having trouble with it hurting, and walking.
I'm a nurse and all, and believe that I have a good base knowledge on this kind of stuff, but sometimes I tend to put stuff off longer than other people (like the time that Jake was hospitalized for 7 days and diagnosed with asthma). Sometimes, I over react....I always think the worst! I didn't in this case, OK, I thought it, but didn't dwell on it, or even voice it to anyone, but thought it.
I decided, after trying to get ahold of our doctor without answer, that I would bring her to DeVos Children's Hospital. I want a pediatric radiologist to read the xray. I do trust a regular rad, but I think that I trust a ped's one so much more when it comes to my kids. We got up to the ER at 530pm, and didn't get into a room til around 730. Holy smokes, that is a busy place. The doc came in, got more xrays, then decided after the xrays came back negative that they were going to do some blood tests. Because there is no apparent injury, and she has this continued pain, we have to rule out something like leukemia, and some other stuff. OK, I admit it, I did think it, but thought it was a way out, far fetch of an idea. I mean, come on, it is just a hurt leg!! Anyways, that was me trying to soothe myself in my head. I knew better than that, it is a possibility. I just didn't want to believe it was possible. I told Amaya that she had to have her blood drawn, and she started to cry. I wanted to cry so bad, but didn't want to scare her. She kept telling me that she was scared, and I would talk to her, telling her about the pending procedure, all the meanwhile, in my head I was the one scared, thinking of that little girl at Meijer without the hair, and how she was scared of her bald head. Wondering how she would be without her hair, when she is just beginning to grow it out again. As we sat there talking, and keeping her mind off the impending poke, I got some pictures out of my purse. Once again, back to the hair, she was complimenting herself on her long hair when she was 2 yrs younger. How ironic it was for me.
They came and drew her blood, and she did a fabulous job (with the help of some EMLA cream-numbing). Tick tock, tick tock......time went by. We read an entire chapter book, and finally the doc came back in.
All the lab tests came back negative!! We don't know what is going on, but we do know that it isn't the big stuff, is what he told us. Follow up in 2 days if not better (she will need an orthopedic referral if this continues). Amaya has no idea of what this night meant to me, or to Scott. All I wanted to do is go and vomit. Get dressed, we are going home!
I pray to God pretty much daily. I am not all fancy about it. It is usually at the silliest of times, like driving down the road, just hanging with my kids, or whenever I feel the urge. I make sure that I don't only pray when I need something, mostly it is for other people, but many times it is just to say that I am thankful for my family, their health, and the friendships that I have.
I grew up in a more pessimistic household. There wasn't much optimism, so I am one to look around and wonder. I guess that as I was in that ER room, I was wondering, is this what God has in store for us? Is this what He thinks that we need, leukemia? As I sat in the waiting room there, looking around, there was a little girl, must have been about 5, but looked small for her age. She was pale and sickly looking. If I had triaged her at my work, I would have brought her right back. We waited at least 1 1/2 hours near her, went for an xray, came back and was called into a room before her. I heard her mom say that she passed out at home, yet, she seemed so calm. I assumed that this must not be new for her, and that they have been in before. I felt sad, like why me? All my kids are healthy, I have a good life. Why is she the sick one, why was she chosen to be sick? What does He have in store for us? It is not good to sit and wait in life to see what bad things are going to happen. I just can't help it. I have been through a lot in my life, just different stuff. I have to be optimistic...the glass if half full!!! (damnit)
After all the thinking that I have done tonight, Amaya came home and had a funny grin on for Scott. She was hiding her hand behind her back, like she had something to show him. She did, her battle wound from the blood draw, and her ID band from the hospital. She has no idea, other that she just had an xray and some labs drawn, and that she got to stay up late on a school night. She is happy, she is an optimist!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
My Big Sissy
Ryan loves to hang out with his sissy. It is a different bond than what he has with Jake. He cuddles her more, and lets her baby him. Jake is more of a rough and tumble brother. He adores Amaya. I hope this continues far into their life!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
chalk Board
I've always wanted a chalk board for my basement so the kids could have a big, huge place to draw. One of those big, classroom ones is what I wanted for the longest time. I saw one for sale one time when a business was going out of business, but didn't have anywhere to store it at the time, so I passed it up. In today's crazy world, you can buy magnetic or chalkboard paint. All you do is paint it where ever you want. So, I painted one of the walls in my basement. I love it, as do the kids. 
Oh, and speaking of love!!!! This isn't the first time that I have seen a note like this! Amaya is only seven, wow. I am not even sure what to write about this. It is cute, but she is so young. I know she doesn't truely "love" them, but she obviously has a crush. I don't know who Brenner is, but Jack seems like a nice enough kid. They are both in her class with her. Hmmmm, what will come of this?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Rock Obama
Jake and Amaya had school today, Tuesday. Because of the inauguration, they had a school assembly and were supposed to wear red, white, and blue. Jake made an effort for the colors, while Amaya just didn't really care.
After Jake got home, I asked him how his assembly was.
M: Jake how was the assembly?
J: We didn't stay for very long, because "Rock Obama" never showed up to it!
After Jake got home, I asked him how his assembly was.
M: Jake how was the assembly?
J: We didn't stay for very long, because "Rock Obama" never showed up to it!
Monday, January 19, 2009
A "Real" haircut
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Slacking Again
I am feeling a bit bogged down about the blogging. Honestly, I can say that it is something that I love and am quite proud to be doing. It is just getting to it, at this time. I feel that the last month has been so busy with Christmas and stuff, but I just can't get to it. I didn't even send out Christmas cards this year, for Pete's sake!! (Who is Pete anyways??) Slacker!! I haven't even been following other blogs....I will get back into it, I just need to get other things organized first. For example....take down my Christmas tree. ( I started, but just haven't finished)
I am not looking for comments, I just wanted to blog my feelings.
I am not looking for comments, I just wanted to blog my feelings.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Santa 2008
We went to see Santa last Saturday.
A couple of days before that Amaya had her friend, Shayna, over. Shayna told Amaya "the real Santa won't really be there. He is just one of the "helper" Santas. I know this because one time when I went to see santa, his beard looked weird and I pulled on it and it came off!"
Amaya remembers this kind of stuff really well, so we talked about it before we went to see Santa that day.
Mom: Amaya, are you going to pull on Santa's beard?
A: No, because what if he is the real Santa? It might hurt him.
When we got there and we were standing in line.
M: Amaya, what do you think? Are you going to pull on his beard?
A: No, his beard looks real, and I don't want to hurt him!
While she sat on his lap, Santa was telling her that Rudolph had brought him to the school, and that he was on the roof. He said that he had to be a "good" reindeer and stay out of view of the kids, or he wouldn't be able to go out Christmas Eve to help deliver the presents.
We were walking out of the school.
M: (looking back, over my shoulder to look on the roof) Amaya, should we look to see if we can see Rudolph?
A: (nervous and upset) NO, Mom, don't! If we see him, he will get in trouble and won't be able to help deliver the presents. What if there is fog that night? He needs to guide the sleigh, and I don't want him to get in trouble. (seriously near tears, and mad at me for trying to see him)
A couple of days before that Amaya had her friend, Shayna, over. Shayna told Amaya "the real Santa won't really be there. He is just one of the "helper" Santas. I know this because one time when I went to see santa, his beard looked weird and I pulled on it and it came off!"
Amaya remembers this kind of stuff really well, so we talked about it before we went to see Santa that day.
Mom: Amaya, are you going to pull on Santa's beard?
A: No, because what if he is the real Santa? It might hurt him.
When we got there and we were standing in line.
M: Amaya, what do you think? Are you going to pull on his beard?
A: No, his beard looks real, and I don't want to hurt him!
While she sat on his lap, Santa was telling her that Rudolph had brought him to the school, and that he was on the roof. He said that he had to be a "good" reindeer and stay out of view of the kids, or he wouldn't be able to go out Christmas Eve to help deliver the presents.
We were walking out of the school.
M: (looking back, over my shoulder to look on the roof) Amaya, should we look to see if we can see Rudolph?
A: (nervous and upset) NO, Mom, don't! If we see him, he will get in trouble and won't be able to help deliver the presents. What if there is fog that night? He needs to guide the sleigh, and I don't want him to get in trouble. (seriously near tears, and mad at me for trying to see him)
Such a dear heart! (last year, she threw up in her mouth on this very same santa!!)
Amaya reassuring a scared Jake that Santa is nice.
Jake gets a little shy around new people, even if it is Santa.
Ryan never even cried!! Brave little boy!
Volleyball
Jake came in my room the other morning, and woke me up with this:
J: Mom, wouldn't it be cool if I could just roll into a ball and you and Daddy could toss me back and forth like you were playing volleyball?
M: Yes Jake, that would be cool!
J: Mom, wouldn't it be cool if I could just roll into a ball and you and Daddy could toss me back and forth like you were playing volleyball?
M: Yes Jake, that would be cool!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
That's my girl!
I sent a note to Amaya's teacher this morning regarding her ride home today....this is the response that I got from her. It is just a nice thing to hear from someone who isn't family!
Got it, Thanks!
(What a great girl you have!!) :)
From: LESLEY FISHER [mailto:fisherlands@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:15 AM
To: Rebecca Clauss
Subject: bus amaya
Hi Becky,
Amaya will be riding the bus home with Allison Brown today. She knows already, and didn't want me to send a note, she wanted me to email you.
Thanks.
Lesley
Got it, Thanks!
(What a great girl you have!!) :)
From: LESLEY FISHER [mailto:fisherlands@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:15 AM
To: Rebecca Clauss
Subject: bus amaya
Hi Becky,
Amaya will be riding the bus home with Allison Brown today. She knows already, and didn't want me to send a note, she wanted me to email you.
Thanks.
Lesley
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Letter To Family
Letter written by Amaya as an assignment in class:
Dear Family,
Who was your teacher? My favorite part about school is the lunch! My second favorite part about school is music! My most favorite part about school is..compliments! I love you Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jake, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, Granny, Papa, Gidget, Peppy, and TJ. PS. I know how to spell MSS I will spell it for you and correctly Mississippi. I spelled it correctly didn't I? I will spell it again! Mississippi ! Know why I know it so well? Because my dad mad a song about it. It goes like this Mississippi! I love my family so much!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Heck Yeah, I'll take my triage.
Heck yeah, I'll take my triage. This is something that I rarely want to pass up when I am at work, especially when I get to work with my friend Julie. It isn't always the better way to go, but sometimes (it's like a gamble) you get to sit and actually have a few sentences of a conversation while at work. Rarely, but sometimes!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Summertime Santa
What do you think that Santa does in the summer on his down time??
Jake: He just sleeps.
Amaya: Well, I think he swims in the pool, and maybe has a hot tub. Maybe he plays with his reindeer, and takes rides, just for fun, in his sleigh.
Ryan: What? Who's santa, and what is summertime??
Jake: He just sleeps.
Amaya: Well, I think he swims in the pool, and maybe has a hot tub. Maybe he plays with his reindeer, and takes rides, just for fun, in his sleigh.
Ryan: What? Who's santa, and what is summertime??
Should have stayed home.
Jake, 5 yrs old, Mrs. Ward's young 5's class.After reading the story of the 3 little bears. The kids were asked what they would have done if they were Goldilocks......Jake said "I would have stayed home and watched TV!"
You can tell what the picture is after you read what he would have done.
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