Thanks Ellie, That would be great. Mostly I am interested in finding out what kind of criteria suggests she should have surgery or casting, which one is more successful, and what are the chances she will never be “ normal”. I only worry about her self esteem if she is “different”. I found one case on the internet how a poor kid how had gone through some thing like 12 surgeries in 14 years. That scares me! My Doc made it seem like no big deal, which I know there could be a lot worst thing, but he kind of pissed me off how he minimized it, and really could not any my questions. Then again I am a crazy pregnant lady these days so maybe I am over reacting. The health care system here is a little backwards, because I have to wait to be "picked" by a surgeon who is “interested” in the case. So the not knowing is driving me crazy. Especially since my doctor put the “bulletin” up a month ago, and no one has taken the case yet. Again this concerns me because I do want just anyone looking after my baby and there are no specialists in this disorder. Brandon and I have talked about maybe going to LA and seeing a DR after she is born. But I have no idea where to start with that.
Steve, Brandon Shoulders are still bugging him, but he is back at work. Having a baby is going to be a big change. I am really scared. Especially since Brandon and I have be doing so great, I wish we could have had a little more time just the two of us. But I guess god had other plans. Take care take to you soon
Oh Sorry Steve, I am going to stay home for the first year and then see. Brandon and I just got out of debt, So I may be able to stay home longer. We will see.
From an initial glance through the medical literature, it sounds like the Ponseti method is the best approach. Success rates are much higher than previous methods. However, since this is something that has only caught on in the last 5-10 years it looks like, it is possible you will have trouble finding a specialist in your area who is up-to-date on this technique (Sad to say, but change is sometimes way too slow in medicine, even when a new technique is proven to be better).
As for waiting to be "picked" by a specialist - I say "Phooey" on that!!! Wait for the guy who is least busy (because he is the worst, maybe?) to pick your case? BS. Be a squeaky wheel here - find out who is the best person to do this in your area (or out of your area if no one in your area is up to date) then knock on their door until they agree to "pick" your case. Or save up your money (it won't be cheap!) to come to the US.
It sounds like the sooner this gets started the better, though, so I would try to get your arrangements all made BEFORE the baby comes.
M3M - Here is a news blurb about a research grant to a doctor in Vancouver studying the Ponseti method. Perhaps you can contact his office and get a referral to a doctor in your city who is familiar with Ponseti method use? Some research suggests as high as a 95% success rate with this technique (although I am always a little suspicious of numbers that are that good, it does seem to be a big improvement over previous casting techniques.)
University of British Columbia-Sustainable Clubfoot Care (Vancouver): to make available in a sustainable fashion, universal, effective, efficient and safe treatment (by the Ponseti Method) of the congenital clubfoot deformity in Uganda. The Ponseti method treats the congenital clubfoot with accurate manipulation and casting rather than surgery. In earlier Canadian and Ugandan trials, there was a greater than 95 percent correction of deformity without the need for surgery. (Dr. Shafique Pirani, (604) 522-2332).
The original Dr. Ponseti is at University of Iowa, I believe.
Ellie Thank you Sooooooooooooo much. I can not believe how much you info you found. You are so sweet to take time out of you day to help ease my mind. Thank you. You are an angel. You are so right I have go after the right Doc instead on sitting here waiting.
Sorry M3M... we live in a worped health care system. I do have a wonderful family DR if you need one... but he's here in Sylvan.
Anyways, I was just catching up on some threads, and I'm pleased to hear you guys are still going strong. OH and congrates about the baby being a girl. Do you have any names picked out? J and I are going on a cruise Apr 9 for 8 days. I can't wait. We've just entered the first few days of 3 months of hell. I don't plan on seeing him much b/c of work and him working in Camp way up north. But we're off to a better start than last year. He's already planning on taking more time off. We have a weekend booked Mar 10 and before that I should see him again in a few weeks. I have no worries of a relaps though....I love being in love. We're doing great!
Take care, PLW
I saved my marriage and so can you....Its all about positive thinking...
Hello everyone, Just wanted to pop in and let you all no Kaydence Pamela-Anne was born MaY 12th at 1:21pm. We had a c section cause she decided she wanted to came out feet first. Things have been going well, I AM SO Tired. I did not realize it was going to be this hard. Steve, I do not not have your email on my home computer, would you please send me an email to my work address so I can get your address on my web mail. Brandon and I have been doing great. Our C told us in Jan that he did not see a reason for us to be coming to him any more, so I beleive that is a good sign. ( after all he wants our money so he must of thought we really did not need him) Well, I will check back soon. Take care.
Parenthood 101 here you come. I'm leaving for FL in the morning so this will be short. Looking forward to some pictures!! Actually, how about one of all 3 of you!
Remember, patience, patience, patience...... she will test you!
My Doc made it seem like no big deal,