What It Is...

After a thorough exam, X-rays of her leg and pelvis (in which she had to hold her leg in a horribly painful position) and a difficult, but necessary, blood draw (to rule out a septic infection and leukemia), we discovered that Evan does indeed have Transient Synovitis (inflammation and subsequent pain in the hip joint).

In Evan's case (as is common for many kids who get this thing) the pain is referred to the thigh.

Now, this condition usually occurs during or after a recent viral infection-- an infection that "triggers a process that leads to an immune response that affects the joints."

Triggers an immune response? Inflammation?

No.

I'm not going down that road.

I'll just say that this thing is supposed to go away on its own-- usually within a week to ten days, sometimes longer.

That Evan needs to avoid putting weight on that leg-- no problem, since she's afraid to move it, let alone stand.

That we have to give her regular doses of ibuprofen, and carry her until she is without pain.

And hope she's better in time for Christmas.