Glunk, an internist in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, also believed that Tim suffered from RTA because this kidney disease has a propensity to make the blood too acidic. But it would have been reversible if Scrooge had intervened in time, Lewis explained. If untreated, RTA can cause short stature, crippled legs, withered hands, intermittent weakness, and the other symptoms that afflicted Tiny Tim. With this condition, acid accumulates in the blood, creating a cascade of problems. His diagnosis, published in 1992 in the American Journal of Diseases of Children: a potentially deadly kidney ailment now known as distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Lewis, of Norfolk, Virginia, spent several years studying Tiny Tim’s condition. 1Īnother practitioner, the late pediatrician Donald W. Since infant formula and milk fortified with vitamin D were introduced decades ago in the US, the disorder is rarely seen in this country. Not having these crucial nutrients often causes bones to become soft and malleable, and leg braces would have been the answer in the 1840s, when the story was written. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Chesney came to this conclusion based on the symptoms described in the story, suggesting that Tim’s disease would have been curable if his father had possessed more money. Not surprisingly, a number of physicians have reflected upon the topic, and here’s what they’ve had to say.Īccording to the late Russell Chesney, MD, of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tiny Tim suffered from rickets and tuberculosis. The little boy’s disability is never explained in the famous tale, with the author leaving it to readers-and practitioners-to take an educated guess as to what his ailment was. Since the holiday season is upon us, I decided to do a little research into Tiny Tim, the lovable son of Scrooge’s employee, Bob Cratchit, in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. What's included?įind your perfect match today and you or your loved one will receive a beautiful adoption pack.As health care practitioners, you are all naturally curious about diseases of all kinds, especially those that have remained undiagnosed mysteries. By adopting a donkey you are doing something amazing. Adopt a donkey for yourself today or share the joy by giving the gift of a donkey adoption to a loved one. And, most importantly of all, it rescues helpless donkeys from hopeless situations. It will buy food and medicine, pay for vets and farriers, and build shelters and hospitals. Your ongoing support will reach out to donkeys around the world. If you are adopting a donkey as a gift, please note the pack will arrive in The Donkey Sanctuary branded packaging. Please be aware that we use Royal Mail to send these, and delivery is subject to any strikes and delays that they may be experiencing. We aim to get your beautiful adoption pack or renewal pack to you within 14 days. Your adoption will be helping us to reach more donkeys and mules in need worldwide. By adopting a donkey for yourself or a loved one, you will be guaranteeing their future with us where they will never want for warmth, care or food. Become part of our donkeys’ lives for just £3 a month.

Tiny tim