So when Adam had his 4 month appointment and his jabs, the health visitor flagged up that she thought he might have Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip – DDH.
From the GP’s reaction when she checked him, I could tell she didn’t agree, but since the HV had said so, she had to write the referral letter. She also told me it was not at all urgent and when I suggested we wait until he had to be at Children’s Hospital anyway for his Paediatric Surgery consult for his lump, she said that was a fine idea.
Well that appointment was Monday.
So our gallant heroes, Mummy, Daddy and Adam, got a taxi about 930. The surgical appointment wasn’t until 2pm, but since last time he needed XRays it took 4 hours we figured we’d do that, have lunch at the hospital and then go to his appointment and come home.
It was absolutely bucketing down out. And, since it never rains in Belfast (someone really needs to come up with a sarcasm font, BTW), traffic was one big snarl. It took us about 20 minutes to do a trip that normally takes about 5 minutes. 6 if you don’t hit the lights right.
We arrived at A&E and I handed over the GP’s letter. The very nice receptionist said she didn’t think we needed triage, checked with the triage nurse who agreed, and sent us straight up to XRay. We checked in there and sat down to wait. There were about 5 children there with their parents, so we figured it would be a long wait.
10 minutes later we are called. They weren’t doing an XRay, they were doing an ultrasound. They do the ultrasound and sent us on our way. It was about 11 so we headed home!
Got home, had lunch, fed the boy. Headed back to the hospital at 130, since it was still bucketing down and we figured it would take another 20 minutes to get across town. Of course this time it took 5 and we were early for our appointment.
Actually saw the consultant at exactly 2pm. Turned out 2pm is his first appointment in the afternoon. Lucky us!
He felt The Lump, listened to it with his stethoscope (which no one had ever done before) and agreed that there was nothing he could tell us until after the MRI. Simon did ask what next steps might be, but the consultant really didn’t want to say until he saw the MRI.
I confirmed with him that there should be no problem taking Adam to the States for Christmas just a few days after the MRI and he couldn’t think of any reason why there would be. Even with his MRI appointment being at 2pm, he shouldn’t need to stay overnight. He said he’d see us in 2 months and sent us on our way.
So, once again, we wait. MRI on 16th December. Next surgical consult on 18th January. And then we find out what, if anything, they are going to do about this lump on our son’s side.
In other news, wow 2 new commentors!
To answer Lisa’s question, I have no idea if my hit count includes the RSS feed. I forget I have an RSS feed, since I never use them myself. I will have to ask tech support, AKA my brother.
Keep commenting, people! I promise to keep writing! 🙂