Please Pray for my son

Please pray for my oldest son, Andrew.  The past few weeks he has mentioned at times that he has a difficult time breathing. Well, Thursday evening I was waiting on him to put his shoes on because we were going to grab dinner.  When he bent over I was shocked! He had this huge hump pop up on this back (on the right lung area). The next morning I called his pediatrician and heard, "Sorry, Dr. X retired, yesterday was his last day."  So, I made an appointment with my youngest son's pediatrician (same group) for Monday (6-30). The Dr. was shocked when Andrew bent over.  He said he has SEVERE THORACIC KYPHOSIS. He gave us a referral to the local group of Orthopedics. Today, I called and gave all information needed, but thought it was strange that the lady said she would call me back shortly.  About 10 minutes later she called back saying Dr. Z asked her to call and give me this number, it was an 1-888-xxx-xxxx. I asked her where "this" dr. was located and she said TULANE (LA).  I was trying not to panic...TULANE?!?!? that is usually where the really severe cases go..hmmm.  Our pediatrician called back when I'd left a message that this dr. he referred Andrew to was not going to see him .  He called me back a few minutes later with another dr. in Mobile, AL.  This dr. is a pediatric orthopedic...OK feeling a little better..I think! I said all that to ask this...Do any of you know what THORACIC KYPHOSIS is, what causes it, is it life-threatening, can zoloft have any role in this, etc. Andrew has Asperger's Syndrome and we have dealt with that for several years Andrew has been through a lot of teasing from adults and kids and my heart is breaking thinking someone would foolishly make fun of him having a "hump" on his back. Please pray for him...he gets very nervous to the doctor and I have no clue what to tell him will be done, as far as testing, etc. Thanks, Beth

Praying for you and your son. I know that this has to be a scary time for you. I googled it and found this website: http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1437. html From what I've read it seems it can be corrected in some cases. So keep the faith and hope and do not give up. the Lord is with you both! Healing hugs!

Jennifer, Thanks for the link and for prayers. Beth

I know this is a difficult time for you. Parents always worry when our little ones don't feel well. I looked up some info on it too, and did not find anything related to zoloft or the condtion being life-threatening. According to the website, it looks like this is abnormal curvature of the spine and is sometimes caused by bad posture. Among the treatments are strenghtening exercises for some cases or surgery in others. As far as testing goes, the website mentions physical examination or possibly an MRI. Please keep us updated on how things are going and know we are praying for your family.

I have read a little about kyphosis, but didn't want to start comparing things to my son's condition.  I do understand its a abnormal curvature of the spine, but the pediatrician said my son's spine was "normal."  Oh boy...MRI...Andrew would have to be sediated!  I will update when I have more to update. Thanks, Beth

Praying for Andrew...that you get the answers you need.  I wouldn't think it would be life threatening...for kyphosis in the elderly isn't, but I have never heard of a kyphotic hump in a teen?  Kyphosis is also related to osteoporosis, again something you wouldn't normally see in a teen. Please don't try to think of the worst, just let God work...keep the faith that Andrew is in His might Hands.  It's a tough, tough thing to do as a parent for I am preaching to the choir.

Jackie, About the life threatening part, the pediatrician did say it "could" become that IF the "hump" was to put pressure on heart/lungs.  I thought the same as you...teens having this condition...hmmm. Well, I am trying to not worry just yet. Of course, it's never a good time to be going through any medical condition but right now it REALLY a bad time for me.  The summer semester is SO demanding and it's ONLY 2 classes!  I enjoy one class which is grief and bereavement but it is VERY demanding. Although, some of the material has kept me from sleeping at night.  The other class is spanish 2, well, enough said about that...I JUST WANT TO PASS!  Anyway, I am trying not to stress too much about Andrew because I know nothing we done as parents caused this condition. I hope all is going great for you and your family. I will update when I have additional information. Thanks, Beth

Good morning Beth.  Kids AND adults can be so harsh and mean.  I am going to BELIEVE and EXPECT a miracle for Andrew!  God bless you as his Mom because I KNOW how stressful all this has to be on you.  I promise you, I AM PRAYING!! 

GM Randall!  Yes, people in general can be so harsh toward each other, but when it's done to a child it's difficult to swallow. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers...it means a lot to me.  I do try to read the board daily and hope Allison has a speedy recovery!  I see adults and kids everyday on 4 wheelers because there are trails around here and NONE of them wears helment! I just pass them and say a prayer for their safety.  Oh and another thing I see kids doing that makes me want to stop my car and give them a lecture   There are several creeks around here and those kids walk the embankment and STAND on the edge of the concrete barrier and JUMP to the water   Once again, I start praying for these silly kids.  I suppose I lived a sheltered childhood because I don't recall doing things like kids do today.  Again, thanks for the prayers and will update as I have information. BTW, CONGRATULATIONS to you and Lucy on your engagement and upcoming wedding.  It really warmed my heart when I read post about yours and Lucy's happiness.  I keep that hope alive for me Thanks, Beth

Oh Beth...I am praying for your son and you.  God is more than able to touch his body and heal him.