Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Dear All Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much looking forward to our baby coming. I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and uptight........ Rach & Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Rach, I haven't posted in a long time, but I read the boards everyday. Your posting was a flashback to what happened when we found out our son, Austin would have club foot via ultrasound. We are in the US, but had the exact same issue. Our insurance required a referal to Dr Herzenberg in Baltimore, which is about 2 hours away from us. When we started interviewing pediatricians before Austin was born one of our first questions was about the CF and a referal for DR H and using the Ponsiti method. The first DR said she prefered to use her own orhto doctor but " since CF is not life threatening, we could go out and try this method and when it failed, we can come back to her for her doctor. " My husband and I immediately walked out of the office. We were so taken back by her attitude. She was offended that we actaully thought we knew better than her " the mighty doctor " . The next doctor we went to was a different story. He hadn't heard about the Ponsiti method, but knew DR Herzenberg was suppose to be one of the best in the region. He told us, since he wasn't an othopedist himself, who was he to judge what method was better. After we explained the method to him he said " let me get this right, it will fix the club foot, is almost 100% successful and doesn't require surgury on an infant. What's not to like about that " He then did a bunch of research himself so he can talk to other patients about it. So, long story, short, if possible, find a new doctor. Any doctor who would not support use of a successful, non-invasive correction is not following the number one rule of medicine " FIRST, DO NO HARM " Good luck in your search and best wishes for your baby. and Austin (7/8/03, RT CF, LF MA) > Dear All > > Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to > a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr > Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 > weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 > weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti > Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't > refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we > had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild > anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't > think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He > said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if > absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding > with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to > say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the > doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting > ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much > looking forward to our baby coming. > > I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here > unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, > if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and > uptight........ > > Rach & Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Hi Rach- From your post it sounds like you are asking your OBGYN for a referral. In the US the referrals usually come from the baby's pediatrician. Have you tried that route yet??? Also most doctors practicing the Ponseti method will talk or meet with your in person to consult how things will be handled after the baby is born for no charge. So you shouldn't even need to have a referral at this time. Just tell the receptionist at the ortho pedi doctors office that you are interested in setting up an interview with the doctor before deciding to go with the particular doctor. That allows you to discuss your situation with the ortho pedi without being charged and to make sure the doc is actually using the Ponseti method. Some questions to ask during the interview are: How long have you been using the Ponseti method? What has been your sucess rate...meaning how many of the children have been treated without surgery? (Should be 5% or less) Tell me step by step what will occur after my child is born? The right answer for the last question is groin length casts 5-9 (above the knee), tenonomy if needed, then final cast for 3 weeks with foot rotated out to 70 degrees, then DBB for 23hrs a day for 3 months. If the doc's answer varies then run it by Dr. Ponseti. The Ponseti Method is so black and white but, so many doctors want to modify it. Best of luck! > >Reply-To: nosurgery4clubfoot >To: nosurgery4clubfoot >Subject: Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2003 Report Share Posted January 13, 2003 Hi Rach- From your post it sounds like you are asking your OBGYN for a referral. In the US the referrals usually come from the baby's pediatrician. Have you tried that route yet??? Also most doctors practicing the Ponseti method will talk or meet with your in person to consult how things will be handled after the baby is born for no charge. So you shouldn't even need to have a referral at this time. Just tell the receptionist at the ortho pedi doctors office that you are interested in setting up an interview with the doctor before deciding to go with the particular doctor. That allows you to discuss your situation with the ortho pedi without being charged and to make sure the doc is actually using the Ponseti method. Some questions to ask during the interview are: How long have you been using the Ponseti method? What has been your sucess rate...meaning how many of the children have been treated without surgery? (Should be 5% or less) Tell me step by step what will occur after my child is born? The right answer for the last question is groin length casts 5-9 (above the knee), tenonomy if needed, then final cast for 3 weeks with foot rotated out to 70 degrees, then DBB for 23hrs a day for 3 months. If the doc's answer varies then run it by Dr. Ponseti. The Ponseti Method is so black and white but, so many doctors want to modify it. Best of luck! > >Reply-To: nosurgery4clubfoot >To: nosurgery4clubfoot >Subject: Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Dear Rach & Steve Don't be put off by the ignorance of the doctor. Stick with it you will get there eventually. Best wishes Tom, Corinne & Ben > Dear All > > Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to > a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr > Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 > weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 > weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti > Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't > refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we > had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild > anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't > think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He > said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if > absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding > with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to > say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the > doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting > ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much > looking forward to our baby coming. > > I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here > unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, > if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and > uptight........ > > Rach & Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2003 Report Share Posted January 14, 2003 Dear Rach & Steve Don't be put off by the ignorance of the doctor. Stick with it you will get there eventually. Best wishes Tom, Corinne & Ben > Dear All > > Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to > a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr > Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 > weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 > weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti > Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't > refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we > had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild > anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't > think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He > said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if > absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding > with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to > say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the > doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting > ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much > looking forward to our baby coming. > > I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here > unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, > if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and > uptight........ > > Rach & Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Thank you Philip, that is what I will do so everything is in place for when he is born, we have decided to go with Dr. Naomi in Manchester as she is nearer to our home and also I spoke to Dr. Ponsetti's secretary who advised us to go with her. Thank you for your information. I will keep you informed. Natasha >-- Original Message -- >To: <nosurgery4clubfoot > > >Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 20:30:05 -0000 >Subject: Re: Referrals >Reply-To: nosurgery4clubfoot > > > > > > >Natasha > >We had a referral letter sent prior to Josh's birth, this meant that as soon >as he was born all we had to do was phone the consultant and make an initial >appointment. It certainly alleviates much of the stress if you know >everything is in place! > >Philip > > Referrals >>Reply-To: nosurgery4clubfoot >> >> >> >> >> >> >>Dear All >> >>Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >>a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >> >>Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >>weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >>weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >>Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >>refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >>had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >> >>anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >>think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >>said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >>absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >> >>with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >> >>say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >>doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >>ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >>looking forward to our baby coming. >> >>I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >>unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >>if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >>uptight........ >> >>Rach & Steve. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Hi Rach and Steve, My wife is 28 weeks pregnant also, and we are facing mild to severe bi-lateral clubfeet too. We have also decided to try and persue the Ponseti method if possible. I am 33 now and also suffered with severe bi-lateral Talipes. This has made me more determined than ever to persue a non-surgical method. I have spent months reserching and gatering as much information as I can, relating to the ponseti method and the pro's and cons. The only con I have been able to come up with so far, seems to be a shortage of trained staff here in the UK. This means travel will be inevitable. I'm not sure which area you are in. We're in Bedfordshire. We have discussed what we would like with the registrars at Bedford Hospital. They have been very supportive, and asked if I could bring along all the documentation, information and reserch I have, when we see the orthopedic surgeons at the end of Feb. They believe we know more about Ponseti than they will. They have also agreed to try and help us find the most suitable location for treatment. They are aware that it won't be Bedford. I have checked the Internet and found flights to Newcastle for £2.50 return, even with an Easyjet Car hire or Taxi to Sunderland hospital, it'll cheaper than driving all the way there and back - both in terms of finance and time. I guess different doctors and hospitals have different thoughts and proceedures, but we all pay our taxes and are entitled to what we consider the best for our children. Be polite but firm, and if you don't get any joy with them, transfer somewhere else. All we can do for now is be as prepared as possible, try to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy (Sooo glad I'm a man), and wait and see what happens when we meet the surgeons next month. If you would like me to share everything I have found so far, just let me know and I'll forward it on to you. In the meantime, relax and pamper yourself. But you're definately not paranoid. Kind Regards Kieren and Debbie > >Reply-To: nosurgery4clubfoot >To: nosurgery4clubfoot >Subject: Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM: Try the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Dear Kieran and Debbie Thanks for e mail. We are in Somerset. There are other doctors at my surgery but now I think there have been some 'notes' put on about me, so if I go to another one then they will already know that I have been to see one of them. All is not lost yet!!! My partner has a doctor at a different surgery so might try that one first and also the Physiotherapist that was supposed to be talking to us prior birth about what could be done is practising the Ponsetti method in Bath, which is about 1/2 hour away (my doctor did not even know this!!!), so I am waiting for an appointment to go and see the physio aswell. I won't be told what to I can do not now I have done my own research, after all it is our baby and we need to be able choose the care best for him. Good luck with the pregnancy too!!! Rach & Steve. -- Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM: Try the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Dear Kieran and Debbie Thanks for e mail. We are in Somerset. There are other doctors at my surgery but now I think there have been some 'notes' put on about me, so if I go to another one then they will already know that I have been to see one of them. All is not lost yet!!! My partner has a doctor at a different surgery so might try that one first and also the Physiotherapist that was supposed to be talking to us prior birth about what could be done is practising the Ponsetti method in Bath, which is about 1/2 hour away (my doctor did not even know this!!!), so I am waiting for an appointment to go and see the physio aswell. I won't be told what to I can do not now I have done my own research, after all it is our baby and we need to be able choose the care best for him. Good luck with the pregnancy too!!! Rach & Steve. -- Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM: Try the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Dear Kieran and Debbie Thanks for e mail. We are in Somerset. There are other doctors at my surgery but now I think there have been some 'notes' put on about me, so if I go to another one then they will already know that I have been to see one of them. All is not lost yet!!! My partner has a doctor at a different surgery so might try that one first and also the Physiotherapist that was supposed to be talking to us prior birth about what could be done is practising the Ponsetti method in Bath, which is about 1/2 hour away (my doctor did not even know this!!!), so I am waiting for an appointment to go and see the physio aswell. I won't be told what to I can do not now I have done my own research, after all it is our baby and we need to be able choose the care best for him. Good luck with the pregnancy too!!! Rach & Steve. -- Referrals >Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 20:52:27 -0000 > >Dear All > >Just wondered if anyone had ever had a problem with being referred to >a Doctor who uses the Ponsetti Method in the UK. I have spoken to Dr >Naomi Davies who said I needed a referral from my Doctor. I am 28 >weeks pregnant and we were diagnosed with bilateral talipes at our 20 >weeks scan. Since then we have decided to go with the Ponsetti >Method if needs be. I have been to see my doctor today who wouldn't >refer me to Naomi Davies (which is 4 hours away) as he had said we >had good facilities in our area here. That it would probably be mild >anyway and he had never heard of the Ponsetti Method and couldn't >think of anything worse that casting a baby and misdiagnosing it. He >said they only performed 'surgery' in the worst cases and only if >absolutely necessary. He said I should be concentrating on bonding >with my baby and not to worry and uptight about anything. I have to >say I don't feel worried or uptight about anything except seeing the >doctor again now. I thought I was just organising myself and getting >ready 'just in case' it is more than mild. We are both very much >looking forward to our baby coming. > >I have come to the conclusion that they are not very helpful here >unless you just sit back and let them tell you what should be done, >if you do your own research then they say you are paranoid and >uptight........ > >Rach & Steve. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM: Try the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.