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Rachel was diagnosed at 3 years of age by a genetecist at Shriner's Hospital in Sacramento. She was born with hip dysplasia, backflow of blood from the valve in her aorta, and umbilical hernia. She wore a leg harness for 6 months from birth, had a PDA procedure at 2.5years, and had the hernia operated on when she was 4.
Rachel has suffered from excess fluid in her ears, but no ear infections. Ear tubes were put in at 4 years. Rachel started having spinal fractures when she was 7 years old. She also fractured her foot. Rachel also had a shunt procedure in the summer of 2007 after complaining of frequent, persistent headaches.
In 2008, Rachel underwent a year of treatment for her osteoporosis. Her bone density has improved and is no longer on Pamidronate for osteo, but takes daily oral calcium and vitamin D.
Rachel is a kind, happy girl with lots of friends. She loves animals, art, and playing with her dolls and webkinz pets. She is in a regular 3rd grade classroom,and participates as a regular student in everything except for PE.
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