Back in October I noticed that Peter had a bit of a limp. Sometimes it was really noticeable and sometimes I couldn't see it at all. I caught a video of it to show the doctor because EVERY time I take the kids in for something they suddenly look and act completely healthy. I've learned to document so I can prove that I'm not a crazy and paranoid mom.
Here is the initial video of the limp:
We took him in and they twisted and squeezed and pushed and prodded and nothing made Peter even flinch, nothing seemed to give the doctor any useful information. His best guess was that it was something called Viral or Toxic Synovitis. It is apparently one of the most common causes of hip pain in young children, and it typically just goes away on it's own. I left the visit and I couldn't remember the name of the condition, only that it was pretty normal, and that it would be worst right when he wakes up. My main takeaway was that it was not something to worry about.
I periodically noticed the limp, but it was always after a nap or first thing in the morning so I kept telling myself that I shouldn't worry about it. Sometimes stretches of days would go by when I wouldn't notice anything at all.
Fast forward to a week ago Monday, and Peter was playing on a step in our bathroom and fell down (not incredibly unusual). He landed on his side and seemed to cry a little longer and a little harder than usual, but it was hard to know. After that fall, his limp was much worse. It was causing him to lose his balance, his leg would sort of "give out" sometimes, and wobbled while he walked.
Grandma C had stopped by that day and she was worried about it too. It made me feel better to know that a woman with 8 children and 29 grandchildren also thought it was worth worrying about. It's so hard to know when you're a new mom!
I didn't get a great video that day but here is one that shows it pretty well, and you can see him wobble to catch his balance a couple of times:
I took him into the doctor again that day and again they twisted and squeezed and pushed and prodded and no signs of wincing from Peter. Nothing but some giggles when spots were ticklish. The doctor offered x-rays but suggested it was likely overkill and chances were that it was just a sprain or bruise and that Peter would heal quickly on his own. His advice was to watch and wait, and if Peter was still limping in a week, he would be "very surprised".
Throughout the week the limp seemed to be waning, but by Friday it started to get worse again, and continued to be worsen over the weekend. On Saturday the limp looked like this:
On Monday when our doctor opened we called and asked if he wanted us to come in and he told us not to bother coming in to their clinic, but that he was referring us to see a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
My mom spidey-senses had been tingling throughout this whole limp thing! I felt so vindicated to know that it wasn't just some "normal kid thing"!
We tried to called the orthopedics office on Monday but they were closed for MLK Jr day. I called as soon as they opened this morning and the earliest that they could see Peter is this Thursday afternoon. I hate that I have to wait two more days, but Peter really does not seem to be in any discomfort, it's just my own worries and wonderings that are going to sit tight until then.
I've googled a bit about toddlers limping (I know, I know, terrible idea) and I'm trying not to be too scared of some of the possibilities (like leukemia, for instance). I'm trying not to worry until I know I have something worth worrying about, and so far I have felt surprisingly calm. I genuinely think that is in large part due to my extra focus on peace over the last couple of weeks.
Cross your fingers that we will find out that it is something completely benign and easily fixed. I'm not sure how much of a workout my mom heart can take.
