Namine’s previous orthopedic doctor may have moved, but her scoliosis still needs monitoring. The degree of curvature in her spine has not changed for many years, so once a year continues to be sufficient. That remains true this year as well.
To say that Namine is no stranger to X-rays is quite the understatement. It is with slight impatience and a teenager’s barely suppressed attitude that she listens to the staff as they explain the imaging she needs at any given appointment. Back X-rays, at least, are slightly less arduous than leg ones — the latter being necessary only when we fear a break, although that seems to happen more than we’d like.
We had expected this appointment to be nothing but routine, but Namine surprised us the evening prior with the news that her right hand was hurting. Although those were Namine’s words — “my hand hurts” — the truth we had to pry out of her was that it had started hurting a week ago. Only recently had the pain increased enough that she felt it necessary to tell us. (This is, as we’ve frequently observed, the trouble with a child who has immense pain tolerance.)
Since we were already seeing the orthopedic doctor, who is also her bone specialist, we requested that a hand X-ray be added to the docket. They gladly obliged.
After the X-rays were done being taken, Namine and I went back to our room to wait. When the doctor came in, he informed us of the good news: Namine’s scoliosis has not worsened in the ten-month span of time since we were last seen; and her hand has no breaks in its bones.
Unfortunately, this good news about Namine’s hand provides no answers concerning the pain she’s in. The doctor could do nothing aside from suggest monitoring her pain closely, addressing with painkiller if necessary, and calling him in a week if it does not improve, or if it worsens.
On our way out to the car, Namine informed me that she is ever our medical mystery child. Despite the pain, her attitude remains as sarcastic and teenager-y as ever. (I view that as a good thing.)
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