Post by changedname on Sept 3, 2014 12:37:20 GMT -5
I just got back from dd's 6 month shot appointment. The pedi noticed that her butt creases are asymmetrical and her hip is loose so we have been referred to sick kids for an xray. I'm freaking out and google is not helping.
I don't want her to have to wear a harness for months.. She is just starting to almost crawl and have fun. This sucks.
Update - we went to Sick Kids and the Xrays show that her left hip is abnormal. We are more than likely looking at a hip surgery and then 3-6 months in a spica cast from waist to toes on both sides. . We meet with the ortho team at Sick Kids next Friday.
It turns out that the harness I mentioned above is only good for babies under 6 months. Now I am dreaming of that f'ing harness, it doesn't seem as bad.. at least you can still bathe them etc.
Update #2 - we just got back from our consult at Sick Kids. The doctor has decided the dysplasia is mild enough that it should self correct. We go back at 1 year for an x ray and then if it hasn't corrected she will face surgery and the cast but the doctor says 90% of cases like dd's self correct.
Oh and for bananapancakes - she told us no jumperoo or exersaucer at all and only an ergo or beco carrier that keeps her in a frog position - no baby bjorn (which I knew anyway from MMM). Before her original diagnosis, we were using the jumperoo and saucer for a few mins most days - especially the jumperoo which she absolutely loved. I just listed them both on CL.
Oh, and apparently swaddling is the #1 cause of hip dysplasia that develops after birth. They really quizzed us on our swaddle use.
Not quite the same, but we went through two ultrasounds (at six weeks and three months IIRC, double diapering in between) and an xray at six months to check on DD2's hips. She was breech and was kind of borderline at the first ultrasound, so they had us come back. Easier said than done, but try not to worry. If your daughter needs help, now is the best time for her to get it.
Post by bananapancakes on Sept 3, 2014 12:55:58 GMT -5
No advice, just hugs! I know it's hard but try not to worry until you know what you're dealing with. Sick Kids is an amazing place and you will be well looked after there. We go back on the 23rd for a neurology follow up.
Stop Googling. Only use Google in order to learn what questions need to be asked. Don't read stories or look at pictures or anything. No good can come of it.
Not that it's the same at all, but I had to have casts on both of my legs. One went up to my hip. I had just started pulling up. It was hard for my parents but I found ways to work around it and continued to chase our cat.
I'm sorry. Try not to google before you're able to see the doctor. Google never helps, I become convinced that I have cancer or ebola or cholera or something equally unlikely.
And if she does need treatment, it's often easier the earlier you catch it.
And remember, kids are amazingly resilient! If she needs braces, she will likely adapt well...and much quicker than you could imagine! Kids don't know that they're supposed to be doing X by Y months of age, so they don't have the emotions attached that the parents do. Plus, getting things adjusted now is much easier than when they get older.
I don't have experience with this, but I did have an 18month old in therapy (speech) for awhile who was in double casts (maybe close to the waist down? I don't recall and wasn't aware of the details.). He was still an incredibly happy little guy and managed well with modified surroundings.
Hugs. I hope everything is okay. If she does have hip dysplasia than she'll probably got for physical therapy. At this age it's fun and play based. Everything will work out, but I understand how stressed you must feel right now.
We went through this at 6 months -- asymmetrical creases can mean absolutely nothing, and the good news is, pediatricians are just CRAP at figuring out hip dysplasia. So while it's hard not to worry too much until you get to the orthopedist, please don't. I've been there!!
Post by scribellesam on Sept 3, 2014 18:41:12 GMT -5
I have two friends whose children dealt with this issue. One was in the brace for only 2-3 months and now just wears it at night; the other has been in about 6 months. Both adjusted amazingly to it; kids have a remarkable ability to adapt.
Post by karinothing on Sept 19, 2014 12:13:46 GMT -5
Ugh, I am sorry. Kids are so adaptable though. I bet you that she will be able to crawl with the cast, she is just going to get buff arms Can they make it a waterproof cast? I know those exist now. That way maybe you can still bathe her more easily?
Post by undecidedowl on Sept 19, 2014 12:19:53 GMT -5
Sorry for the tough news. That's a lot to process. I bet she will really amaze you at how well she adapts and everything she can do even with the cast.
I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping, but that's great that you've got a handle on it now. In a year or two, it will probably be a distant memory. You know what they say: "temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement." Hugs to your sweetie in the meantime.
Post by bronxgirl on Sept 19, 2014 12:27:22 GMT -5
I'm sorry, @icedgems. Things will likely work out well in the end, but as a mom I know how hard and overwhelming to hear your kid needs treatment. Vent here whenever you need to. Hugs to you and your daughter.
@icedgems, I have a friend who is a nurse and went through the spica cast with her daughter and is extremely knowledgeable. If you want, I can put you in touch with her. I also know there are a ton of "hip baby" Facebook groups that she found really helpful as well.
Post by MadamePresident on Sept 19, 2014 12:57:22 GMT -5
I'm sorry you guys will have to work through this. Not the same, but when my husband was really young he was in a car accident and had broken legs. His family now tells stories about how he would stand on his head and watch cartoons when he was in the cast. Kids are really resilient.
Post by daisy24342 on Sept 19, 2014 12:57:43 GMT -5
I'm sorry for your frustrating news......I can't relate to the Surgery but I can relate to hip dysplasia. We got lucky and my sons got caught an hour after birth, so we were on of the "lucky" ones to use the harness. DS will be one in week and while his hip is much better, there is still some room our or growth so he wears a Rhino brace at night. I'm actually hoping at his next checkup In a few months all will be good and we can graduate but there is always a chance at surgery if it's not 100%.
I definitely see your concerns about the spica ( I think I would hate it too) but friends of mine say once they get used to it , it becomes a part of your life and they don't really now any better. That's how it was with the harness too but obviously less cumbersome. I'm due with #2 in 5 weeks and I'm actually concerned DD will have it as well ( genetic and more common in girls) so I'm trying to prepare. There is a great support group on Facebook for this if you are Insterested, lots of great people sharing resources and ideas about how to make life a little more comfy for their kiddos. PM me if you are interested.
It will get easier....I promise. I was in your shoes 3 days post partum....googling images, drs, etc amd crying a lot.....I promise, it will get easier and she probably won't remember any of it! It will be harder on you than her.
I'm sorry for your frustrating news......I can't relate to the Surgery but I can relate to hip dysplasia. We got lucky and my sons got caught an hour after birth, so we were on of the "lucky" ones to use the harness. DS will be one in week and while his hip is much better, there is still some room our or growth so he wears a Rhino brace at night. I'm actually hoping at his next checkup In a few months all will be good and we can graduate but there is always a chance at surgery if it's not 100%.
I definitely see your concerns about the spica ( I think I would hate it too) but friends of mine say once they get used to it , it becomes a part of your life and they don't really now any better. That's how it was with the harness too but obviously less cumbersome. I'm due with #2 in 5 weeks and I'm actually concerned DD will have it as well ( genetic and more common in girls) so I'm trying to prepare. There is a great support group on Facebook for this if you are Insterested, lots of great people sharing resources and ideas about how to make life a little more comfy for their kiddos. PM me if you are interested.
It will get easier....I promise. I was in your shoes 3 days post partum....googling images, drs, etc amd crying a lot.....I promise, it will get easier and she probably won't remember any of it! It will be harder on you than her.
Thanks Daisy. I will pm you. I am holding out hope for the rhino brace as an option. Main thing I am dreading in the cast are diaper changes. I've looked on blogs and it looks like a nightmare. Sorry your son went through that and also the worry for your next baby - I actually suspect I might have mild dysplasia myself now so am going to request an xray.
Post by thatgirl2478 on Sept 19, 2014 13:25:16 GMT -5
I'm sorry you got bad news, it's hard to deal with a sick kid. But, kids are ridiculously resilient! A friend of mine has a daughter who was born with an incomplete/duplicate genital/urinary/fecal system and has used a catheter & colostomy bag since she was born 2 years ago. She's having reconstructive surgery now, but it seems to be harder on Mom & Dad than their DD!