I'm so sorry your daughter is going through something like this...you are correct that they are too young. I appreciate you responding to my post as I was beginning to feel like we are the only ones dealing with this. I did a good deal of research (as I'm sure you did) looking into where we could get a second opinion from a physician who works with kids. We eventually found Dr. Lawrence Lenke at Barnes Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Please don't think I don't have the highest regard for the physicians at Mayo (we have been going there for years!), but we wanted to find someone who had extensive experience working with KIDS. Ultimately, he did not recommend surgery because he felt, in Brad's case, the benefits of surgery did not justify the risks. So, we continue to deal with pain issues, but are trying to keep on top of it. Sadly, Brad's sports participation is likely over and he struggles with this loss. Fortunately, he has put his energy into a new job (sales/marketing for a nutritional supplement store in our town) and he feels good about this success. I hope and pray your daughter can also find something to help her manage her physical and emotional challenges and find success in new endeavors.

Ironically, I am a psychologist and I work with chronic pain patients, many of whom are struggling with the same issues as our children. I want to encourage you and your daughter to keep your hope alive that things can improve...I see this everyday! I don't know if this is appropriate, but if you'd like to chat on the telephone sometime let me know and I will give you my work telephone number.