Giving a 7 year old bad news

We have known really that DS is an EDSer. We've known a couple years now since his symptoms of popping/hurting/dislocating became prominent.

At his recent annual well-child check his pediatrician decided it was time the two of us go see the hospital's pediatric genetics department.

We went this morning. I was examined, followed by DS. There is no doubt left. He has extremely prominent loose joints.

They are putting together a packet for the pediatrician and the school. They have to understand that under no condition does he play basketball, soccer, football, or anything else that extends his joints. He can stick with running, swimming, and bicycling, with swimming being the best option.

I feel badly for DH, who was an excellent football player and scouted by the pros but couldn't go any further once they found out about his multiple extensive knee rebuilds. He dreamed of having a little boy take after him.

Thankfully though I think there is some comfort in knowing DS can still be a great triathlete! He is a great runner, a little Forrest Gump, and is a terrific cyclist.

So, not all hope is lost. Knowledge is power and at least we know how to prevent all the damage I did by doing all the wrong things growing up. He hopefully will be saved a lot of heartache and hurt.