DS is being treated for unilateral talipes. Or clubfoot. It's been a long road, full of hurdles to overcome. Mostly public hospital staff unwilling to deviate from their preferred treatment, and unwilling to offer any alternative. Followed by a lengthy delay by seeing a physiotherapist who I now realise did not have the knowledge to treat him at all. A whole year was wasted with her wishy washy treatments.
It's taken almost six months for us to get to this point. Three months waiting for an appointment with the best physiotherapist I could find. Six weeks after that waiting for an appointment to meet the best surgeon she could find us. Today is the day.
I'm so nervous. The physio has warned us that this dr can be hard-headed, and we may face judgement for the delay in DS's treatment. She was very understanding when we explained the lack of guidance and support offered by the hospital I birthed in. I also gave a brief history of the traumatic birth experience, to which she responded by putting her hand on my shoulder and nodding in understanding. I love her already. She made me feel a lot better about the things I was beating myself up about.
Honestly though, I don't need any more judgement. And I don't want to fight any more medical professionals for adequate treatment. I can quietly feel the rage building that now I may have to fight for my son this time instead of myself. I'm tired. I'm still tired from the birth! But I have a plan. If I'm met with harsh criticism, I will firmly tell this dr that we are not open to hearing his opinions on our parenting and decisions made thus far in regards to his treatment. We are there to receive proper guidance and support, and for our son to receive the treatment he needs to have a normal life. Then I will beg him to operate sooner rather than later.
Solid enough, yes? At least this time I won't be drugged or vulnerable myself. I guess this time I'll have the strength to fight with the fire necessary to get my baby what he needs. DP will be there, so I'm hoping that his death stare is enough and I won't have to launch into battle mode. For now though, I'm going to hold onto the hope that I won't need to fight this time. But the fear is there, as always.
Wish us luck.........................................
Last edited by forshelby; September 5th, 2012 at 12:12 PM.
I think the best thing to say to grumpy doctors is - "so what do we do now?".
There may also be an element of wanting to be very sure that you will follow through with post-op care, even if it is arduous and sometimes distressing for Axel - so "how you parent" does matter a bit here, in the sense that for surgery to be effective you may need to sometimes be tougher than you would like to be with your son.
All the best. Being grumpy is I think almost a requirement for orthopaedic surgeons - don't lose your cool.
Best of luck. Maybe the Dr will be supportive and you won't have to go into battle. Just put it out there and hopefully things will start to happen from here. Sounds like it's been a long Rd for you.
how did it go?? i hope they were supportive and gave you a good path to follow. i hate the thought of them making it harder than it should be for you!! after everything.....
Well!! Good news all round, it seems. The surgeon is wonderful. Understanding and supportive of our choices. He also is not a fan of ponsetti treatment, which is great because we all agree for once. He will operate on DS as a public patient, in the Mater. I will be staying with him. Most kids are in only one night.
As for the op, we start at the top of the list, with an achilles release. A half cast will go on, and be completed the next day once swelling goes down. Casts are to be replaced every 2 weeks, minimum 6 weeks. He examined DS and said he is perfect in every way, except the one affected foot joint. DS responded well to the dr touching him, he was very gentle and caring, unlike others in the past. No crying from DS or mummy, lol.
We're on a cancellation list, so surgery will hopefully be done by the end of the year. Notice will most likely be very very short. But that's ok. The process of bracing begins when the last cast comes off. It'll be a single boot, which closes on hinges. Marvellous. DS should be walking very soon. He'll be reasessed regularly, and likely require further surgery as he grows, until he reaches maturity. It's a long road ahead, but knowing what lies in our path makes it easier.
Now let's all collectively put out the vibe to the universe for a speedy resolution here. Thanks for your support, ladies.
Yay! that sounds like you have found the best care provider for your DS! what great news!
FWIW i have friend with a child that has had to have surgery on both feet and is now walking assisted in his boots! this was a kid that they said would never walk, so it is pretty amazing what they can do these days...and what our wee little kids are capable of doing
Reply With Quotei hope that you get a plan to move ahead for your DS ASAP.
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Today we meet the surgeon.
But I have a plan. If I'm met with harsh criticism, I will firmly tell this dr that we are not open to hearing his opinions on our parenting and decisions made thus far in regards to his treatment. We are there to receive proper guidance and support, and for our son to receive the treatment he needs to have a normal life. Then I will beg him to operate sooner rather than later.
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