Hypochondroplasia kid: Growth Hormone shots, AKA superman shots

What is hypochondroplasia?

Hypochondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. This condition affects the conversion of cartilage into bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs. Hypochondroplasia is similar to another skeletal disorder called achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder.

All people with hypochondroplasia have short stature. The adult height for men with this condition ranges from 138 centimeters to 165 centimeters (4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 5 inches). The height range for adult women is 128 centimeters to 151 centimeters (4 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 11 inches).

People with hypochondroplasia have short arms and legs and broad, short hands and feet. Other characteristic features include a large head, limited range of motion at the elbows, a sway of the lower back (lordosis), and bowed legs. These signs are generally less pronounced than those seen with achondroplasia and may not be noticeable until early or middle childhood. Some studies have reported that a small percentage of people with hypochondroplasia have mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, but other studies have produced conflicting results.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Growth Hormone shots, AKA superman shots

We started CoCo's growth hormones three weeks ago. We call them his Superman shots. He is doing very well. I feel so much pressure on me, to have things recorded properly or give the shot right. I ask God for patience and confidence for myself that Im doing the right things for my kids. Coleman is so tough, so independent. I cried the other night after giving him a shot. He had not fussed or complained, but after he fell asleep, hot tears ran down my face as I wispered, "Im so proud of you Coleman Thomas". I hope I can say at the end of the day, I did all I could do for him. I still get nervous at the thought of being incharge of my beautiful boys lives , Coleman espically. I have a peace that God chose me to be their moms and that He trust in me and I in Him. I discovered once that, faith isn't faith if we know where we are going to land. So, I blindly trust Gods plan for us.

4 comments:

Tracey Toms Van HoyJanuary 7, 2010 at 7:43 PM
This made me cry! I have total confidence in you! You are doing a great job of being both Colemans mom and Carters Mom! Keep your head up!
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AnonymousJanuary 8, 2010 at 9:15 AM
You are a beautiful and Godly mom... and a blessing to know.
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AnonymousNovember 5, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Kristen, my son also has hypochondroplasia. We were not able to diagnose him until he was 13 years old. He is 14 now and his growth plates are almost closed. I always knew something wasn't right, but all the doctors told me he was fine. He was just going to be short. I wish I had the opportunity to do for my son what you are now doing for yours! My son is taking Arimidex now to hold his growth plates open for hopefully 5 more years. (What little is still open) Maybe an option for you as your son gets older. Will let you know if it works.
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AnonymousFebruary 29, 2012 at 12:13 PM
I wish you all the luck in the world. My son to has hypochondraplasia. He was diagnosed while very small. We were told that hormone at that time was seeing no results other than getting to max height faster. At that we decided not to put him through it. My boy will be 14 his birthday and is now 4ft 1 inch. Despite all we do he still has to go through the stares and mean talk. If I thought for one second I could give my child this chance I would in a heartbeat, not because of anything negitive on my part but because of what he goes through.
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