Off to a Rheumatologist!

Today at my OS appointment many things happened. I will break it down by joint. Also it was decided I need to see a pediatric rheumatologist, because it is not normal for a sixteen year old to have so many joint problems.

Left Knee

The MRI showed the kneecap is too high (which was known), general swelling of the joint, and cartilage thinning/damage (aka arthritis but no OS wants to diagnose a 16 year old with arthritis). The plan as of now is three injections of Euflexxa a week apart and see if that helps before investigating surgery further.

Left Hip

The MRI showed FAI (which I have already discussed) and a torn labrum. The labrum is a piece of cartilage that is in the hip (similar to a meniscus in a knee). The cortisone is working but no surgery will be discussed until after I see a rheumatologist, so just continuing the PT for now.

Right Hip

The OS thinks that my other hip has FAI as well as a labral tear, which he thinks is bigger than the tear in the left side. An MRI was ordered to confirm the diagnoses, so I will go to HSS for that on Monday. I should have the MRI results by next Wednesday, if/when they confirm I will get a cortisone injection in my right hip.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now with all this. Looks like I will be spending a lot of time at HSS in the next few weeks.

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