Sarah's hip..I'm nervous.

layla · September 8th, 2005, 12:38 PM

Hi,
I just need to let out a little stress.
Sarah has been wearing a Correctio harness for her right hip for 4 weeks now. (Her right hip socket is too shallow.)
She is going for an ultrasound tomorrow too check on the progress.
I am so nervous about this. I desperatley want them to say that it's fixed, or at least nearly fixed, but I'm worried that it's not working.
I know I'm being silly and getting worked up about something that may not happen but this harness is causing us some trouble now.
To start with it was fine, it didn't bother her at all. It just made changing nappies, holding her and feeding her a bit tricky. We got the hang of it pretty quick and all was fine.
However, Sarah has developed quite bad reflux over the last few weeks. She has to lay flat on her back because of the harness, causing her to vomit and choke all day and night. I'm getting by on less than 4 hours sleep per 24 hrs and I don't know how much longer I can do it.
The other day she fell asleep in my arms after her bath (the only time the harness comes off) and she had her first harness free sleep in nearly 4 weeks. I put her on her side and she slept for 5 hours, no vomiting.
I felt so guilt that she had her harness off for so long, it's only meant to be half an hour a day, but I figure a few extra hours out of 4 weeks of being strict isn't going to do any harm, and it was soooo worth it!
Also, Sarah has got quite a bit off chaffing from where her skin is rubbing all the time and I think it's startnig to get sore, she cries when we touch her there.
I know that compared to what some peole go through this is quite a minor thing and I'm being selfish but I really need this harness off!
The doc said 6-8 weeks should do the trick so we're nearly there if it's working, but I can't bear the thought of them telling us tomorrow that it's not working and it'll be 12 weeks, or a different (worse) brace she'll have to wear.
I just needed to vent all this, I feel a little better now. 8-[

**nadia** · September 8th, 2005, 02:15 PM

Good Luck for Sarah and you 2morow, you'll be in my thoughts. O

**iris** · September 8th, 2005, 03:47 PM

Layla first of all what you are going through is important and its not a minor thing. Its hard sometimes to do the everyday things needed for our babies, without throughing in an annoying harness. And add reflux!LOL!

One of the first things we were told when Alana got diagnosed with CF was that her mental self is just as important as her physical self. If taking of her brace for 5 hrs, allowing her to get some good sleep, without vomiting and crying, probably did more for her physical self than you realise. I say, good decision.

Good luck with tomorrow.

Melinda · September 8th, 2005, 04:23 PM

It sounds like taking the harness off her for that time and allowing her that nice long comfie sleep, did both you and her the world of good.

I hope that the scan goes really well and they give you the good news you are hoping for. I'll keep everything crossed for you!

Colleen · September 8th, 2005, 07:35 PM

Sarah,

Good Luck with everything tommorrow! I agree with what the other girls said , a bit of time without the harness would have been a saviour for your sanity... and de-stressing would be great physically & mentally.

My fingers are crossed for you that the brace can come off ..

Good Luck!

Colleen

katanya · September 8th, 2005, 07:44 PM

Layla just reeda your post and wanted to say that I feel for you so much..I have felt those feelings with Felix's stuff before, particularly his oxygen..I have left the oxygen off for a night before and though I feel guilty I also know that he's enjoyeda sleep without the prongs in his nose irritating him..sometimes like Lara said you have to weight up whether one night will set her back or the other very real issue of the reflux would factor in it all..I am so hoping that that brace comes off..I can imagine what you are going through with it..
When Felix had his NGT it was a godsend and a nightmare, everyday I saw him gaining weight but when he'd pull it out it was just horrible..it s so awful when somethng you know is good provides more discomfort on top of the issue it is there to solve..anyhow..I hope this all ends for you sooner than later!

**~Raven~** · September 8th, 2005, 09:49 PM

Best of luck for tomorrow. I hope it all goes well.

**visitor2** · September 9th, 2005, 09:52 AM

Hope everything goes ok today with Sarah.
Thinking of you all.

**MistyFying** · September 9th, 2005, 11:41 AM

Layla hope everything goes really well today and you get good news!

**Angel** · September 9th, 2005, 02:31 PM

How did the u/s go today, Layla?

Thinking of you.

kirsty · September 9th, 2005, 08:26 PM

Thinking of you Layla & hoping that you guys got some good news about Sarah's hip.

layla · September 12th, 2005, 11:59 AM

Good news!!!! \

/
The scan went well. The doctor who did the scan said Sarah's hip looks normal!
There is still some movement of the femur in the hip socket but that can be normal in a baby so young apparently. The main thing is that the hip socket itself is perfectly formed! I'm soooo relieved!
Now we just wait 'til Friday and see what the ortho' doctor says about when we can throw the damn harness away.
Thanks for the support guys.