Physical therapy Friday morning.
UPDATE Friday Morning (1/9) -
All future updates will start at the top with the oldest updates at the bottom. Right now I'm home with Daniel and Molly is with Elijah at Shriner's Hospital in Chicago. Daniel and I will be likely leaving at some point today to return to the hospital. Looking into a place to stay for the night.
Elijah is eating great and walking. He's on liquid antibiotics while in the hospital and has taken his second dose as of 6am this morning.
Molly just called and said Elijah won't be coming home today. Tough news, but glad it's because they are trying hard to figure out what's wrong. About a dozen doctors have been in to see him and they are scouring his medical issues and medical history. He's had a few other medical issues in the past, seemingly no major deal at the time, that may mean something according to the doctors. But we don't know yet. So glad to be at a hospital that's known for orthopaedics.
I've been asked by some why this isn't simply considered toxic (or transient) synovitis. Last I heard, it's possible. But duration of his problem, extent of his pain, his age, and a lack of other tell-tale signs keep the doctors guessing and concerned it's something else. I know that some form of arthritis is being considered, but again, don't know yet.
As I understand it there is more testing going on with the fluid aspirated from his hip as well as a bunch of smart people trying to make sense out of all this. At this point I'd say we are hopeful this is something simple that will go away with antibiotics or by some other means. So far nothing serious found other than fluid. We are also realistic that the doctors aren't satisfied with a diagnosis and we are prepared that this may go on a while before it's resolved. More when I have it.
SIDE NOTE: The nurses are just in love with Elijah. Apparently he is very cute with adorable eyes. So he has that going for him! :)
----------
Elijah, pre-procedure.
Original Update Thursday Night (1/8)- Thanks for all who saw updates on Twitter and Facebook about Elijah today and who have shared thoughts and prayers. Here's a late night update on how we got to this point.
Elijah has had hip pain for about 11 days. At different points he could barely walk and has had two sets of xrays, MRI, two sets of blood tests and then our first visit to a specialist today because he's not getting better. The only diagnosis so far is fluid in his hip joint area. After a few doctors consulted together today they decided Elijah needed a hip aspiration to remove and test the fluid for infection, bacteria, etc. There was an expectation that the hip would also need to be opened up and "cleaned out" as well as a possible bone biopsy. This came as a complete surprise to us this morning. All of our conversations revolved around multiple days at the hospital, a possible picc line for antibiotics, a home nurse, and therapy/recovery.
In surgery a few hours later the fluid was partially drained. Tests showed no infection or bacteria, at least upon first check. Good news! So good (and unexpected) that the surgeon decided not to clean out the joint or do a biopsy. Huge relief. The problem is he still finds the fluid buildup as a mystery. So does the battery of docs working on this.
Elijah is starting antibiotics tonight and physical therapy in the morning. We think he'll be able to come home tomorrow (Friday) but nothing is certain. Molly is staying with him tonight and I brought Danny (11) home with me. It was the most dangerous drive I've taken in my life after several inches of snow today, 35+mph wind, and severe drifts. We saw two cars ditch themselves in the last 10 miles. Unreal & terrifying.
Danny and I will have to drive back tomorrow and hopefully bring E and Molly home. We are still very concerned because they can't find a cause to this thing. Maybe it will eventually take care of itself. Maybe the docs will figure something out. I'm too tired to guess what might happen next. Thanks for your prayers. Appreciate all of you.