Ben's Challenge Has a Name: Hyper-Mobility Syndrome

Back in October I wrote a post about adversity and discussed Ben's situation.  Here we are in March and we've received some news that warrants an updated post.  When I consider how things were back in October and compare them to today, I can say that Ben has showed improvement but it's been slow with occasional set-backs.  With a recent visit to his pediatrician and appointment this morning with the orthopedic doctor, we now have an official diagnosis of his problem: hyper-mobility syndrome.

I'm not sure if this diagnosis is the absolute root of every problem he is experiencing, but, at least we now have a better idea of what Ben is dealing with.  In a nutshell, those with this syndrome have “joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint” (quoted from this website).  We began to suspect something more that just the problems with his back was going on when Ben started complaining about his left knee.  He was walking to class at school when this knee suddenly gave out on him and it's been gimpy ever since.  At today's visit with the orthopedic doctor, Ben and Jennifer mentioned the knee situation.  The doctor took a look at it.  Jennifer told me (and Ben confirmed) how the doctor was manipulating the knee and it was moving in ways that it normally shouldn’t have.

 

A rheumatologist Ben visited several months ago stated that Ben also might have another syndrome called Marfan, but the other two doctors have said they don’t believe this is the case, so I’m inclined to go with the “mouth of two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1).  I guess Ben will be having a follow-up appointment with the rheumatologist in May.  It may be interesting to see what he thinks about the knee situation.  The orthopedic doctor has ordered some therapy sessions for Ben and we are hoping the therapist can teach him some stretches and exercises which will strengthen his muscles and help him overcome the pain he has been experiencing.  Ben wants to stay close to football (and to be involved with Isaac as he plays next school year) by working as a student coach’s assistant.  He will have an opportunity to try operating in this capacity during the week of spring practices, but it will be difficult for him to do this if his body keeps betraying him like this.

More than football is Ben's goal of going on a mission when he graduates from high school.  If he continues to have physical ailments, it may be difficult for him to do so.  We continue to pray for him and to have faith that he will be able to overcome the difficulties he is presently experiencing.  I am grateful for the prayers that have been offered for him by others.