new mom..bilateral clubfeet.....frustrated

February 23, 2000

,

Welcome to the group! I understand your frustration, but you've come to the

right place for support. This list is awesome!

We have a son with bilateral clubfeet. He was seen by an orthopedist at

birth, but we were told that it was positional and that stretching exercises

should fix the problem. After a month we were referred to the Shriner's

Hospital where they put 2 sets of casts on and were planning on doing surgery

over the summer. That's when I started looking into the Ponseti method. I

think it's beyond most of us why more doctors don't practice it. How does

your pediatrician feel about the Ponseti Method? He/She may be your best

ally with the insurance company.

I know others will have much better advice, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kim

February 23, 2000

I have been looking into the Ponseti Method and I was wondering what

is so different about it and why isn't every pediatric orthopedist

doing it? I am trying to get as much info together as possible to

give to my insurance company so they will pay for her treatment with

Dr Ponseti. I am not having any luck with them and I don't know what

I will do if I can not get insurance coverage for her treament. I am

going to be the biggest stubborn mule ever and refuse to have her

treated EXCEPT by a Dr qualified in the Ponseti Method. My daughter

is almost 4 weeks old and I feel I need to have her going on this

treatment as soon as possible. I have been in for 3 cast changes

already and I can't stand it anymore. Would appreciate any advice or

information. Thank you!

February 23, 2000

Dear ,

My understanding of how it is different is that the Ponsetti drs. do more

thorough stretching of the feet just before applying each cast. They stretch and

change casts more frequently. And their castings go clear up to the hip whereas

most of the traditional casting only go to just below the knee. Another

difference is the application of the shoes with the bar. Why aren't more drs.

using the Ponsetti method? Good quetion! There are alot of us here who would

like the answer to that one! It's beyond me.

We go to Dr. Herzenberg in Baltimore who does the Ponsetti method on our

Tigger's feet. The written info we got from him at the beginning is that the

Ponsetti method costs on an average 10% of the traditional treatment of

clubfoot. We figured it was worth it since our deductibe of drs. that are

covered is 20%. We don't expect a whole lot more expense with Tigger's treatment

and total cost including the shoes and bar was under $1000.

You can view pictures of Tigger's feet at www.angelfire.com/pa2/babytigger.

Good luck!

Rhonda

new mom..bilateral clubfeet.....frustrated

From: kerick6692@...