Freddie's Story
Freddie's family visited Ben's Retreat in September 2024.
So back in August 2021 we kept noticing that Freddie would just collapse on the floor , kept saying his leg hurt and he would have this on and off limp, when he was with his friends we could tell he wasn’t able to keep up with them.
We decided he needed to see a doctor as there wasn’t an injury he had had. It took us a few appointments as we were told it was growing pains, one day we videoed him walking and went to see the GP and we were sent straight to hospital. They did some x rays but becasue Freddie would always point to his shin to say that was where the pain is so that’s where they x rayed.
All come back fine and we were sent home. A few days later he came out of school crying in pain so we took him to hospital. Another x ray and again sent home. We went away that weekend and he just kept collapsing.
Whilst away we had a call from the hospital to say someone else has had a look at his x ray and found an abnormality so we’re booked in to go to hospital on the Monday. On the Monday he had a scan and saw the consultant who told is this was a rare condition called Perthes disease.
Perthes disease is a condition where his hip does not get enough bloody supply to his hip bone which then corrodes the bone. Freddie had to stop all his daily activities, all the hobbies he loved to try and keep the hip from more damage. He then ended up needing a wheelchair as he couldn’t walk very far without being in pain.
Most children with Perthes recover from this condition within about 5-7 years unfortunately Freddie fell into the 20% that doesn’t and his hip was completely deformed.
Just 4 weeks ago Freddie had 7 hours of surgery to try and realign and reshape his hip as best they could to help ease his daily pain. He has a few months of recovery and hopefully will be able to start doing the hobbies he loved.
Once Freddie has fully Grown he will have a hip replacement.
He’s been through alot over the last few years and he’s just shown everyone what a strong boy he really is. Thank you to Ben’s foundation for this lovely break.