Perthes disease and wheelchair hire

mountainofdebt

I've thought alot about you OP as your pot brought back alot of memories concerning when Junior was diagnosed - going from being totally upset about how he was going to manage to thinking well at least it isn't a terminal illness and back again to being totally upset.

I would be wary of jumping in an getting a wheelchair - this is NOT a crippling disease its a condition where you have to manage your son's lifestyle to aid the treatment. Its going to be hard enough for him to not play football and run around with his mates without being forced into a wheelchair.

Bear in mind that Junior was only 3 when he was in plaster - your son is 7 and kids at that age are cruel - stick him in a wheelchair and then you may have other problems on your hands.

(I must admit Junior's infant school were outstanding with him - he was still in plaster when he started and I know initially they had reservations as to how they would cope with him and how the other children would react .....as it was there was only one little girl who was wary of him but they explained why he was in plaster and she soon was very accepting of the situation)

If I were you (and this is said with the benefit of hindsight) go to the consultant next week and find out what treatment they are going to offer him.. You can ask him about the walk to school - it may be that there is a community transport service that can help.

With regards to what MC has said I was told that suffers do tend to need hip replacements at an earlier age than normal - but we're taking perhaps in their 50s rather than their 60s - but the important thing to remember is that everyone is different - he may need one earlier he may not so don't let that worry you.

If there's anything else you can think of -just ask away

kjmtidea

Thanks. The wheelchair question will be one of many that i'll be asking at his appointment, even if I got school transport sorted out there is still day to day trips that are difficult. He struggled to do a 10 minute walk this morning, maybe they could give him stronger painkillers?
Just have to wait and see I guess.

mountainofdebt

You may also want to discuss the use of a tens machine for pain relief if its that bad - I would imagine they would want to limit the use of painkillers if at all possible

lovesabargain123

There's a local mobility shop near me that hires out wheel chairs etc and hen my son was younger I hired a major buggy whilst waiting for his... Also look on eBay or your local free cycle as tats where I put mine when we'd done with it x

elaine373

My son had perthes from the age of 3 until around 6. The earlier the diagnosis the better the recovery (apparently) My son is now 10 and seems free of it. he limped in the beginning and was told to avoid trampolining, which was hard as we had a massive one in the garden. Since then he has limped again and been diagnosed with Osgood schlatter which is a totally different thing that effects the knees. I am interested in knowing if anyones son or daughter, with this condition are short in stature? I know thats a bit of a weird question but apparently it effects shorter children more.Hyperactivity is also a common link.My son is both short and hyperactive.

rs2013

Hi

My 9 year old son has perthes. The perthes association is a good place for advice. The have a helpline (01483 306637) and a forum as well as a Facebook group (it is a closed group so you would have to ask to join). The are able to hire out wheelchairs and other equipment that you may need in the future.