Meeting Dr. Loder

We got up bright and early this morning.  In fact, I was awake at 2:30 am, but didn't get out of bed until a little after 3.  By four, we were all loaded up and headed to Indy.  Gavin had an appointment with Dr. Loder at 8:30 Evansville time and they wanted him there at least 30 minutes early.  The ride there went super well, especially since there was no traffic on the road! 

Dr. Haggstrom (Gavin's dermatologist) referred Gavin to see Dr. Loder (a Pediatric Orthopedic doctor).  I have to start this by saying, Riley is an amazing place!  Everyone there is just so nice and kid friendly. Yes, the place is all about kids, but they really make it a point to care for not only your child, but also the parents.  We got checked in early and were called back early. We met Dr. Loder.  He was super nice and very calming.  Gavin warmed up to him right away!  After checking him out a bit and asking us a few questions, he sent us down the hall for x-rays.  Gavin is such a brave boy and a great patient!  He was so good for the x-rays and laid as still as he could.  The lady was super impressed with him.  After x-rays, we went back to meet with Dr. Loder.  He told us that Gavin's right leg is 9 millimeters longer than the left leg.  He prescribed a lift to put in his shoe.  He said that should be OK for now.  The plan is to see him again in a year.  He will basically do the same thing.  Another x-ray and measurement.  Based on that, he may readjust the lift.  I was happy to find out that the lift will fit in any shoe.  He said we could get it there, but that he recommends getting it in Evansville so it is closer to home. 

As far as future treatments, that is still to be determined.  He said it will take several years and a few more x-rays to see his growth pattern.  Down the road, he may do a simple surgical procedure that would stop the growth.  Because of his vascular lesion, this procedure may be more complicated, but we are just going to have to wait and see.  There are a lot more extreme measures that he may take, but he's hoping he doesn't have to go that route. 

Brian and I left there feeling relieved that the difference was closer to 1 centimeter and not 2, and also realizing once again, that we still have a long road ahead of us. 

There were only a few things about the appointment that I was frustrated with.  First, Miss Melissa (Gavin's PT), wrote a letter.  I, stupidly, left it at home.  I had it on my email on my phone and tried to give it to them that way.  They said that I wasn't able to do that.  The other thing had to do with insurance.  When Dr. L's office called the insurance company, they said that an authorization had to go through Dr. Voyles.  They called Dr. V's office and they didn't know anything about it.  I hadn't said anything to them because we were referred by Dr. H.  They said they were going to get it all worked out, but we found out that everything we do has to go through Dr. V.  I take Lilah to Dr. V tomorrow, so I'm going to say something about it then.  I'm also going to ask him where we should get the lift.

The ride home went well, but was super long.  We had to go pick up the girls and we were all wiped.  Our next Indy trip will be to Dr. H's team of docs.  I just have to keep taking things one day at a time!