The Brace

My "Christian's" ankle is not in great shape. It's a target joint and has continued to give him problems. I am noticing that when he runs he adds a skip into his gait. Without his brace, he turns his ankle to 90 degrees. He's protecting it. Without knowing he is doing it, he protects his ankle so that he doesn't endure the horrible pain he has had in the past.

Am I doing the right thing letting him playing tee ball? I am really starting to question myself.

Christian was fitted for a brace to support his ankle several months ago. It has really helped him out. His hematologist was worried that Christian might even develop a bleed in his hip because he was over compensating for his ankle. I have to let him take a break from his brace occasionally because it rubs against his leg and it gets hot. I also hate that it makes him "look" different.


It just breaks my heart.

I am waiting on a call to have an MRI taken as well as an initial consultation so that he can start physical therapy. With his inhibitor, we just have to keep on going with the hopes of getting on Factor VIII soon. At a fellow hemophilia mom's persuasion, I am going to insist that we have regular MRI's to keep tabs on any damage that is being done.

As a former colleague of mine used to say, "we'll just keep on keeping on."

To Play Ball or Not to Play Ball?

My "Christian" is the kind of boy who is going to love being on a team. He is "made" for sports. I am afraid the day will come when I am having to direct him to another sport other than football. He's just that way.

I've not had experience with the "sports" thing because my oldest is a creative type. He did play some soccer, but it was not his thing. We sure did have fun while it lasted. I really enjoyed going and sitting under the trees with the mountains in the background watching the kids play.

Christian recently went to a short soccer workshop. He absolutely loved it! He didn't really know what he was doing, but he had a great time. We signed him up for a week long soccer camp in July.

Tomorrow is tee ball sign up. My husband is nervous about it.

How dangerous can five year old tee ball be? Do we take the chance and let him run his little heart out and build his social skills, or do we hold him back? Do we let the fear of his target joint keep him from participating, or do we infuse before he plays and watch over him?

I just can't see holding him back.

Yes, we are going to have to "steer" him to certain activities to make sure he is safe.

Boys will be boys, despite hemophilia. My job is to encourage my children and let them experience life fully.