Orthodontic - Teeth

I had a lovely letter from Mr Cook, Consultant Orthodontist, following Harry's appointment with him back in March..
As we already know Harry does present with a potential for quite severe overcrowding in both his jaws but thankfully no more intervention is needed at this time. Harry found having 4 teeth removed under general anesthetic quite upsetting last time and also with the failed incubation Im understandbly more nervous too as any future intervention requiring Harry to be incubated will mean he needs to be near the paediatirc intensive care unit to keep an extra eye on him. This is because Harry has an extremley small mouth & jaws. Harry doesnt have as many teeth as a normal kid his age so its a waiting game to see if and when they will come through. Mr Cook informed Harry that quite simply he has 'too many cars for the carpark' which is ironic as he does not have all his teeth through yet. Harry will no doubt have a long road ahead of him in terms of his teeth but he is being looked after by a group of amazing dentists and Orthodontist specialists so for the moment I am happy. Harry will see Mr Cook in 18 months time to see where we go from then.

Hospital Visit

Harry has an appointment on the 13th April at the Hospital with a specialist in Rheumatoid Arthritus to see if this is the cause of Harry's pains in some of his joints. His left leg at the knee is especially bothering him & he is asking for more painkillers through out the day especially during school and in an evening before his bed time. I hope that we will get some answers to Harry's joint pain and that something can be done to ease his discomfort. I dont like that he has to take pracetamol & ibuprofen all the time.....

Games Lesson

The Pre-School in which I work is next to the playing fields of Harry's school.
Monday afternoons is Games. I watched as Harry joined his classmates for a game of Tag rugby. This is where you have a belt with two tags attached and play with a rugby ball. The idea is to pull off the tags on the opposing team. A much safer way to play rugby....

It has been a cold day today and I watched as Harry played in his oversized bright red games jumper which first belonged to his sister then his brother. I cant imagine it ever fitting Harry & as he leaves Junior school in July I dont suppose I'll ever find out.

Harry had forgot to put on his gloves and I could see the sleeves of the red jumper hanging over his hands. Harry has Raynauds disease and I watched as he kept on blowing on his fingers and rubbing his hands together to try and keep them warm and to keep the circulation moving.

Harry stood for a while and I obsereved him rolling his neck & shoulders which I new were beginning to ache. I watched as he walked slower and limped slightly as his legs began to ache. Yet he still carried on smiling and enjoying the games lesson.

I watched with admiration as a friend of his fell and Harry rushed over to support his crying friend whilst still blowing on his hands to keep them warm.

I watched as he went over to his games teacher and I obsereved her touch him gently on his back to reassure him it was ok for him to go in as his hands were cold & painfull and his legs, neck & shoulders were aching. She gently removed the tags from his belt and I watched as Harry limped indoors.

This for me today has been yet another reminder of Harry's condition and how it effects his everyday life. He loves Games & PE and will join in till his body tells him otherwise. He makes no fuss as he asks the teacher if he can sit out. He is my very brave 11 year old with a premature aging disorder that he just copes with and puts up with and for that I have so much love and admiration for him.

Aches & Pains

Harry has his 6 monthly appointment with his pediatrician 4th March. His physiotherapist has hopefully written to him for a referal to a specialist in chronic pain/ arthritus etc. Harry is starting to complain more and more of pain in his legs, mostly his left leg and now his left knee, both wrists. I dont like to keep giving him paracetamol and ibuprofen. There must be something else they can do. Its not fair he suffers with joint pain at only 11 years old. He never normally complains but as soon as I picked him up from school today he said his knee was hurting.. I wish I could take the pain away.

Insoles round 2!!!!

Harry has got his new insoles, they are alot softer than his others. He did get up during the night with achey legs and wanted a paracetamol so he's still breaking them in.... half an hour for the first time, an hour the next and so on...... See how he copes with them tomorrow when we go out for a walk around town in them..

Personal Achievements

Today Harry will be attending Bradford City Football club along with some of his friends from 8th Mirfield Cubs, who are to be presented with their Chief Scout Silver Awards & Certificates. Harry has worked really hard to complete challenges to win this award,.

We have the date also for Harry to attend St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle in April, in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. Harry has been award the Chief Scout's Commendation from Bear Grylls for Meritorious Conduct. Harry has even recieved a letter from the Mayor of Mirfield congratulating him on this achievement.

We are so very proud of Harry, he loves Cubs & Scouts and his Akela, Chris Wilding is such a brilliant Leader and has nominated Harry for these awards. We would personally like to thank Akela & all the leaders for all their help & support with Harry during his time in Cub Scouts.

Harry takes each days as it comes and lives life to the full, he never complains even though we know he has his aches and pains in his legs & neck. They are part of Harry and he has learned to live with them and the things he can and cannot do. I see the subtle changes in his apperance daily but his positive upbeat attitude keeps us all smiling.

Enjoy these special times Harry, You deserve them...

Happy 11th Birthday Harry

Its Harry's 11th birthday today and we've just done his cake and candles. I cant believe my little man is 11 and will be starting high school in Sept. He's too little and the blazer for his uniform will swamp him. Will have to have one specially made I think.