Tonya and Layne

My son, Layne, suffered from RSD in his leg, ankle, and foot when he was about 8 years old and in 2nd grade. He had ran into another child in gym class and when he flipped, his foot and ankle hit the concrete wall causing the damage to his nervous system. It took over 3 months before he was diagnosed at UVA hospital in Charlotte, VA.

Layne did not walk for over 9 months, ultimately, developing osteoporosis in the leg which caused the orthopedic doctor to consider amputation. Layne participated in daily physical therapy sessions, had weekly visits with his orthopedic doctor and a counselor (to deal with the chronic pain condition) and occasional visits to a pain therapy doctor (who could not prescribe any medication because Layne was too young). We administered one dosage of Ibuprofen, once daily, M-F, before his physical therapy sessions. This ended up eating the lining of his stomach which caused a whole other host of problems.

Because the accident occurred on school property, it is my firm belief that the guidance counselor and his second grade teacher was in denial of the problem and caused us great emotional turmoil, even going to the point of asking us to transfer Layne to a "handicap accessible school" one week before the end of the school year. Layne went from being a straight "A" well loved, student who had, previously, participated in the school's gifted program, to a child as they said "was making it all up"... even though they had five different medical determinations that he truly did have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

I am proud to say... Layne has just finished his first season of football (undefeated) and wrestling at his local Middle School and is currently on the TRACK TEAM! Two summers ago, he assisted his soccer team in an undefeated season!

I am writing to give encouragement to those patients and parents or loved ones who suffer along with the patients. I was fearful for my son’s future. He went from being a healthy young boy with the world at his feet to nearly not having a foot at all. We are so blessed.

To all those suffering from RSD...Keep your chin up! Work through your physical therapy, keep praying and know there is a lady in VA who is rooting for you!

Sincerely,
Tonya

© 2005 Tonya and Layne





If you would like your story added please email us for consideration admin@rsdawareness.com