Hypochondroplasia kid: October 2011

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.

Monday, October 31, 2011

double take

Has anyone ever had to do a double take. Like when you go to school for a party or something and see your kids with his peers and you think wow, they are different. I forget or get used to it. I had that moment today. Coleman has had a whirlwind of a kindergarten year. We have found out he needed ADD meds, he is severely colorblind, is left handed and now that he has some hearing loss. WHAT? I had read that hypo's sometimes had learning disability's, and my dad is colorblind (deuteranopia)which means he sees variations of the same color, but now hearing loss too? Does anyone else have any info on the hearing thing?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Be aware

We have had a good year. Coleman has been on Growth hormones for two years now and it is going well. He is in Kindergarten. Life has its ups and downs, like finding out Coleman is color blind, or behind in school and then the ups, he is progressing in swimming lessons very well and is not falling as much lately. Since October is dwarfism awareness month. Make people aware of the likeness and the differences our kids must face. Everyone has something they struggle with, something they have to overcome or face. Everyone understands being different. Hope your October is full of beautiful weather and memories. Share with us any time.