Posted by David Nelson on July 07, 2003 at 11:58:21:
In Reply to: Re: my son -- prognosis & treatment posted by Tom on June 11, 2003 at 05:39:21:
I had leg purthese disease when i was 8 years old. One day i was at school and my left leg just started hurting. I went to the doctor and eventually found out what I had. I was first told to use crutches and to keep my weight off of it and I still was'nt improving so they put my in the hospital and put my leg in traction. I still was'nt improving so i was then placed into a brace for about 2 1/2 years. This brace had a bar in the middle that spread my legs. I played baseball, skated, but I could only take it off at night some and when I took a bath. After about 2 1/2 years I was able to take it off and run for the first time without in almost 3 years. I'm 30 now and a police officer. I have'nt had any problems except when I go hunting and walk for a really long time my hip starts to hurt a bit, but the next day its fine. I assume that that leg is a little shorter but i really can't tell b/c its never really hindered me. I was told that I could get arthritis in my hip as early as age 18 but I have'nt had any problems yet and I'm 30. I was lucky to have a really great doctor and cared. I was the one that he told his other patients about when they felt they could'nt do anything. He showed them pictures of everything that I did to inspire them that it was'nt the end of the world and that it would get better. My DR's name was Sid Bailey and he still practices in Monroe, La. I hope this may help.