For 5 weeks, you have been complaining sporadically that your back hurts. The area you pointed to, at the top of your back, never had a bruise, red mark or any swelling. Yet it still hurt sometimes. But you kept playing sports, mentioning it every now and again but not stopping activity. It didn't really phase you much. Over the last week, it got increasingly worse, and to the point where you couldn't stand up straight or move your head forward. You didn't play in your playoff game last weekend. You haven't slept in a few days more than an hour at a time (neither have we). You wake up screaming and hurting.
We had figured it was a spasming muscle and we needed some muscle relaxers and stretching. The minute we walked into Dr. G's office, I knew by their face that it was not a muscle strain. It was something bigger. We weren't there 10 minutes and we were back out the door to be seen immediately by someone else. Off we went for an emergency MRI. Amazingly enough, you tolerated that tube better than most people I know. For 15 minutes, you stayed in that loud tube and stayed still. They gave you earplugs and big ear muffs to try to quiet the noise. I was starting to panic FOR you....and finally you were out.
We waited a LONG 30 minutes for the results. The radiologist called me and said "I see a herniated disk at T1 & T2". WHAT??????
10 year olds don't get herniated disks. You have a T1 & T2 end plate herniation. Your Dad and I looked at each other with wide eyes. No way. He conferred right away with Dr. G and then we talked to them. This is serious. It's rare. You have had a traumatic incident that caused this. But none of us know what that could have been? It had to be more than the somersaults that we thought maybe it was....was it exacerbated by your continuing to play sports and wrestle with your brother day in and day out? How can this be.
I'm scared for your future - and just praying that this can resolve quickly and fully and you'll never have to deal with it again. I'm feeling terrible for not taking you to have it looked at sooner. I pride myself on not being an alarmist. That didn't work out so well this time did it.
We have an appt on Wednesday at Johns Hopkins with a pediatric orthopedic that is going to be able to tell us what we're dealing with. I'm scared. I'm hopeful because you are so strong and resilient - but I'm scared. I haven't had this feeling since our NICU days. And it all came flooding back.
Be strong sweet boy. You are going to be just fine, I know in my heart. And Calvin, if you're so inclined, see what you can do up there for your brother Cole. We know you have some pull.
More as we learn more on Wednesday....until then, lots of prayers and spoilage ❤️.
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