[lynn P.]

My 14 yr old daughter has been having periodic hip pain. I thought this was growing pains or minor stiffness. She started limping so I researched it online and got scared when I came across (SCFE). We went to her pediatrician and sure enough he suspects it could be this or some form of Arthritis. He sent her for Xrays and a blood test to check for arthritis. I pray its not either of these. If she has SCFE she'll have to have surgery to put a pin through the top of the leg bone to the hip - they usually do both sides since it most likely would end up affecting the other hip. If its arthritis this is also very worrying.

I would normally tell people not to worry until the results come in but this is hard because its my child. SCFE happens when there's a slip at the growth plate at the top of the leg bone, that meets at the ball joint. In severe cases the leg bone can slip off the ball affecting blood supply. I never knew kids could have serious hip problems. If any parents have teenagers who have hip pain enough to causes a limp, take him/her to the doctor right away. If untreated this can cause permanent leg length difference and limp. Here's more info on this condition:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001967/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/SCFE.html#

I have a student who went through hip surgery a few months ago. I don't know exactly what her diagnosis was, but the surgery was pretty extensive. But she's doing well now. Has finally gotten off the crutches.

[anna342]

I think I would tend to say like what you said- not to worry too much until the result, obviously easier said than done when it's your child.

But the thing is, so many young people get pain in joints that might not necessarily be anything too bad. The pains in my joints started young and around the age your daughter is now I first started to tell my dr because it was bothering me. I had tests, and whilst there are changes in my knees that cause problems, a lot of my other pains are caused by things like hypermobile joints, abnormal gait and such like. There is a chance that it could be something not too nice, but there is also a big chance that it'll turn out to be something not so life changing.

I guess even if it is something like what you've found online, you will just have to deal whatever happens it as it comes and you will cope, because she's your daughter and together we get through these things. Perhaps try and steer clear from internet searching with illnesses in the future, this is the problem with it!

[notz]

when is her appointment for further tests?

Please keep us informed, you know I want to follow this with you. No matter what, it will be ok. Hang in there.

Is your daughter still singing and playing keyboards? I'm ready for her next song! She's got a nice voice!!

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by notz

when is her appointment for further tests?

Please keep us informed, you know I want to follow this with you. No matter what, it will be ok. Hang in there.

Is your daughter still singing and playing keyboards? I'm ready for her next song! She's got a nice voice!!

Thanks notz - I took her the same day for Xrays and blood work on Thursday.....so the results should be in the beginning of this week. If they're good they won't call and only call if something shows up. I'm hoping for no call.

My daughter put up 2 new videos - one an improved version of Drop In The Ocean and one a Christina Perri's "The Lonely'. Yes we're both strong and will get through, if its bad news.