Re: Re: Treatment in South Africa

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sanna, for your kind reply,

I am a bundle of nerves and confusion right now. My gut feel tells me

to go with Dr Ponseti and non surgery, but we're so worried about making

the right decision for our son's future. I'm hoping that a lot of this

uncertainty will disappear once we have spoken to Dr Ponseti and our own

doctor. It's very reassuring to read about your recent positive

experience. I'm so happy for you that your treatment went well and that

it was a relatively short time in the US. Even though everyone was nice

and helpful, it must still have been a relief to get home. If we go

ahead with Dr Ponseti, I will be there alone with most of the

time, as Steve cannot leave his business for too long, so the less time

we have to be in Iowa, the better for us. I will email you again

privately later on to ask you more questions about staying Iowa. All

the best with Veeti!

and Steve (, 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sanna, for your kind reply,

I am a bundle of nerves and confusion right now. My gut feel tells me

to go with Dr Ponseti and non surgery, but we're so worried about making

the right decision for our son's future. I'm hoping that a lot of this

uncertainty will disappear once we have spoken to Dr Ponseti and our own

doctor. It's very reassuring to read about your recent positive

experience. I'm so happy for you that your treatment went well and that

it was a relatively short time in the US. Even though everyone was nice

and helpful, it must still have been a relief to get home. If we go

ahead with Dr Ponseti, I will be there alone with most of the

time, as Steve cannot leave his business for too long, so the less time

we have to be in Iowa, the better for us. I will email you again

privately later on to ask you more questions about staying Iowa. All

the best with Veeti!

and Steve (, 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sanna, for your kind reply,

I am a bundle of nerves and confusion right now. My gut feel tells me

to go with Dr Ponseti and non surgery, but we're so worried about making

the right decision for our son's future. I'm hoping that a lot of this

uncertainty will disappear once we have spoken to Dr Ponseti and our own

doctor. It's very reassuring to read about your recent positive

experience. I'm so happy for you that your treatment went well and that

it was a relatively short time in the US. Even though everyone was nice

and helpful, it must still have been a relief to get home. If we go

ahead with Dr Ponseti, I will be there alone with most of the

time, as Steve cannot leave his business for too long, so the less time

we have to be in Iowa, the better for us. I will email you again

privately later on to ask you more questions about staying Iowa. All

the best with Veeti!

and Steve (, 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this information,

It is unfortunate that no trained doctors are available in South Africa.

We will discuss the Malawi possibility with Dr Ponseti, but it may just

be better for us to go to Iowa and have the full treatment there. It's

worth it to improve 's quality of life long term. We're hoping

that our local South African surgeon will be able to assist us on follow

ups with braces, etc - will be meeting with him on Thursday for new

casts and we will discuss our possible route forward with him then. We

will also try the websites you mention.

It's true that it seems there are no specifically pediatric orthopaedic

surgeons in South Africa, although our surgeon was recommended as

someone who operates often on children and babies and has a lot

experience with clubfeet.

We note that your son is now 4 years old, congratulations - Happy

Birthday !

How has his progress been in these past few years? We have read a few

mails on the list about problems with over correcting, fitting shoes,

late walking, etc. In your experience, are these common with the

Ponseti treatment, or isolated cases? We saw the picture of the 30 year

old patient on the website, are all cases this successful long term?

These are questions we will of course ask Dr Ponseti, but it is helpful

to have feedback from the patients.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this information,

It is unfortunate that no trained doctors are available in South Africa.

We will discuss the Malawi possibility with Dr Ponseti, but it may just

be better for us to go to Iowa and have the full treatment there. It's

worth it to improve 's quality of life long term. We're hoping

that our local South African surgeon will be able to assist us on follow

ups with braces, etc - will be meeting with him on Thursday for new

casts and we will discuss our possible route forward with him then. We

will also try the websites you mention.

It's true that it seems there are no specifically pediatric orthopaedic

surgeons in South Africa, although our surgeon was recommended as

someone who operates often on children and babies and has a lot

experience with clubfeet.

We note that your son is now 4 years old, congratulations - Happy

Birthday !

How has his progress been in these past few years? We have read a few

mails on the list about problems with over correcting, fitting shoes,

late walking, etc. In your experience, are these common with the

Ponseti treatment, or isolated cases? We saw the picture of the 30 year

old patient on the website, are all cases this successful long term?

These are questions we will of course ask Dr Ponseti, but it is helpful

to have feedback from the patients.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this information,

It is unfortunate that no trained doctors are available in South Africa.

We will discuss the Malawi possibility with Dr Ponseti, but it may just

be better for us to go to Iowa and have the full treatment there. It's

worth it to improve 's quality of life long term. We're hoping

that our local South African surgeon will be able to assist us on follow

ups with braces, etc - will be meeting with him on Thursday for new

casts and we will discuss our possible route forward with him then. We

will also try the websites you mention.

It's true that it seems there are no specifically pediatric orthopaedic

surgeons in South Africa, although our surgeon was recommended as

someone who operates often on children and babies and has a lot

experience with clubfeet.

We note that your son is now 4 years old, congratulations - Happy

Birthday !

How has his progress been in these past few years? We have read a few

mails on the list about problems with over correcting, fitting shoes,

late walking, etc. In your experience, are these common with the

Ponseti treatment, or isolated cases? We saw the picture of the 30 year

old patient on the website, are all cases this successful long term?

These are questions we will of course ask Dr Ponseti, but it is helpful

to have feedback from the patients.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003)

[Guest guest]

RE: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Thank you Sanna, for your kind reply,

I am a bundle of nerves and confusion right now. My gut feel tells me

to go with Dr Ponseti and non surgery, but we're so worried about making

the right decision for our son's future. I'm hoping that a lot of this

uncertainty will disappear once we have spoken to Dr Ponseti and our own

doctor. It's very reassuring to read about your recent positive

experience. I'm so happy for you that your treatment went well and that

it was a relatively short time in the US. Even though everyone was nice

and helpful, it must still have been a relief to get home. If we go

ahead with Dr Ponseti, I will be there alone with most of the

time, as Steve cannot leave his business for too long, so the less time

we have to be in Iowa, the better for us. I will email you again

privately later on to ask you more questions about staying Iowa. All

the best with Veeti!

and Steve (, 24th Jan 2003)

Dear , I am not sure if the information I have will be of any use to you,

but it is something for you to think about.

At my 20 week scan our baby was diagnosed as having bi-lateral talipes (as we

tend to call it in the UK). I still have 11 weeks to go (my baby is to be

induced shortly after 38 weeks), but have already done lots of research and

arranged for a doctor in the North of England to oversee the treatment of our

child. His name is Doctor Gavin De KieWiet, he practices at the Royal Sunderland

Infirmary but was trained at Stellenboch University. He uses Ponseti and learnt

the method in the US with Dr. Herzenberg. He is on the list of Ponseti Drs. on

the Uni. of Iowa website.

We have already been up to Sunderland to talk to him and infact saw a number

of his talipes patients (all undergoing the Ponseti method)in his clinic on a

Monday afternoon. He is a very nice man and obviously a huge pioneer of Ponseti

in the UK (Dr. P. has been to stay with him in Sunderland and look at what he is

doing there). Ponseti is catching on slowly here in the UK, butas in the US,

even at major teaching hospitals you are met with the odd quizzical looks.

Anyway , it was just a thought that flying to England may be a little nearer

for you. Also that it is a fellow countryman of yours who is carrying out the

work may be of interest in terms of links to other Drs. in South Africa. Hope

some of this may be of use.

Yours McAlindon

[Guest guest]

RE: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Thank you Sanna, for your kind reply,

I am a bundle of nerves and confusion right now. My gut feel tells me

to go with Dr Ponseti and non surgery, but we're so worried about making

the right decision for our son's future. I'm hoping that a lot of this

uncertainty will disappear once we have spoken to Dr Ponseti and our own

doctor. It's very reassuring to read about your recent positive

experience. I'm so happy for you that your treatment went well and that

it was a relatively short time in the US. Even though everyone was nice

and helpful, it must still have been a relief to get home. If we go

ahead with Dr Ponseti, I will be there alone with most of the

time, as Steve cannot leave his business for too long, so the less time

we have to be in Iowa, the better for us. I will email you again

privately later on to ask you more questions about staying Iowa. All

the best with Veeti!

and Steve (, 24th Jan 2003)

Dear , I am not sure if the information I have will be of any use to you,

but it is something for you to think about.

At my 20 week scan our baby was diagnosed as having bi-lateral talipes (as we

tend to call it in the UK). I still have 11 weeks to go (my baby is to be

induced shortly after 38 weeks), but have already done lots of research and

arranged for a doctor in the North of England to oversee the treatment of our

child. His name is Doctor Gavin De KieWiet, he practices at the Royal Sunderland

Infirmary but was trained at Stellenboch University. He uses Ponseti and learnt

the method in the US with Dr. Herzenberg. He is on the list of Ponseti Drs. on

the Uni. of Iowa website.

We have already been up to Sunderland to talk to him and infact saw a number

of his talipes patients (all undergoing the Ponseti method)in his clinic on a

Monday afternoon. He is a very nice man and obviously a huge pioneer of Ponseti

in the UK (Dr. P. has been to stay with him in Sunderland and look at what he is

doing there). Ponseti is catching on slowly here in the UK, butas in the US,

even at major teaching hospitals you are met with the odd quizzical looks.

Anyway , it was just a thought that flying to England may be a little nearer

for you. Also that it is a fellow countryman of yours who is carrying out the

work may be of interest in terms of links to other Drs. in South Africa. Hope

some of this may be of use.

Yours McAlindon

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thanks very much for the info, all references help our research before

we make a final decision on why, where and how. We will contact Dr

Kiewiet via the website to see if he is aware of any trained doctors

using Ponseti in SA

Best,

(, bilateral cf born 24/1/03)

Re: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Dear , I am not sure if the information I have will be of any use

to you, but it is something for you to think about.

At my 20 week scan our baby was diagnosed as having bi-lateral talipes

(as we tend to call it in the UK). I still have 11 weeks to go (my baby

is to be induced shortly after 38 weeks), but have already done lots of

research and arranged for a doctor in the North of England to oversee

the treatment of our child. His name is Doctor Gavin De KieWiet, he

practices at the Royal Sunderland Infirmary but was trained at

Stellenboch University. He uses Ponseti and learnt the method in the US

with Dr. Herzenberg. He is on the list of Ponseti Drs. on the Uni. of

Iowa website.

We have already been up to Sunderland to talk to him and infact saw a

number of his talipes patients (all undergoing the Ponseti method)in his

clinic on a Monday afternoon. He is a very nice man and obviously a huge

pioneer of Ponseti in the UK (Dr. P. has been to stay with him in

Sunderland and look at what he is doing there). Ponseti is catching on

slowly here in the UK, butas in the US, even at major teaching hospitals

you are met with the odd quizzical looks.

Anyway , it was just a thought that flying to England may be a little

nearer for you. Also that it is a fellow countryman of yours who is

carrying out the work may be of interest in terms of links to other Drs.

in South Africa. Hope some of this may be of use.

Yours McAlindon

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thanks very much for the info, all references help our research before

we make a final decision on why, where and how. We will contact Dr

Kiewiet via the website to see if he is aware of any trained doctors

using Ponseti in SA

Best,

(, bilateral cf born 24/1/03)

Re: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Dear , I am not sure if the information I have will be of any use

to you, but it is something for you to think about.

At my 20 week scan our baby was diagnosed as having bi-lateral talipes

(as we tend to call it in the UK). I still have 11 weeks to go (my baby

is to be induced shortly after 38 weeks), but have already done lots of

research and arranged for a doctor in the North of England to oversee

the treatment of our child. His name is Doctor Gavin De KieWiet, he

practices at the Royal Sunderland Infirmary but was trained at

Stellenboch University. He uses Ponseti and learnt the method in the US

with Dr. Herzenberg. He is on the list of Ponseti Drs. on the Uni. of

Iowa website.

We have already been up to Sunderland to talk to him and infact saw a

number of his talipes patients (all undergoing the Ponseti method)in his

clinic on a Monday afternoon. He is a very nice man and obviously a huge

pioneer of Ponseti in the UK (Dr. P. has been to stay with him in

Sunderland and look at what he is doing there). Ponseti is catching on

slowly here in the UK, butas in the US, even at major teaching hospitals

you are met with the odd quizzical looks.

Anyway , it was just a thought that flying to England may be a little

nearer for you. Also that it is a fellow countryman of yours who is

carrying out the work may be of interest in terms of links to other Drs.

in South Africa. Hope some of this may be of use.

Yours McAlindon

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thanks very much for the info, all references help our research before

we make a final decision on why, where and how. We will contact Dr

Kiewiet via the website to see if he is aware of any trained doctors

using Ponseti in SA

Best,

(, bilateral cf born 24/1/03)

Re: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Dear , I am not sure if the information I have will be of any use

to you, but it is something for you to think about.

At my 20 week scan our baby was diagnosed as having bi-lateral talipes

(as we tend to call it in the UK). I still have 11 weeks to go (my baby

is to be induced shortly after 38 weeks), but have already done lots of

research and arranged for a doctor in the North of England to oversee

the treatment of our child. His name is Doctor Gavin De KieWiet, he

practices at the Royal Sunderland Infirmary but was trained at

Stellenboch University. He uses Ponseti and learnt the method in the US

with Dr. Herzenberg. He is on the list of Ponseti Drs. on the Uni. of

Iowa website.

We have already been up to Sunderland to talk to him and infact saw a

number of his talipes patients (all undergoing the Ponseti method)in his

clinic on a Monday afternoon. He is a very nice man and obviously a huge

pioneer of Ponseti in the UK (Dr. P. has been to stay with him in

Sunderland and look at what he is doing there). Ponseti is catching on

slowly here in the UK, butas in the US, even at major teaching hospitals

you are met with the odd quizzical looks.

Anyway , it was just a thought that flying to England may be a little

nearer for you. Also that it is a fellow countryman of yours who is

carrying out the work may be of interest in terms of links to other Drs.

in South Africa. Hope some of this may be of use.

Yours McAlindon

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the board! It's hard when you first jump in and have to learn all

this stuff, but you'll quickly get the hang of the cyclical nature of the

posts... There are definitely a few things that may come up that you have to

learn to deal with, but they are quite minor and generally easily dealt with

compared to dealing with major surgeries and hospital stays, etc.

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, but don't be surprised if your

doctor tries to dissuade you from pursuing the ponseti method treatment.

Many parents have reported that when they started questioning their doctor

about it, they were really discouraged by their doctor who wanted to do

surgery now rather than later. Just wanted you to be prepared for this

possibility...

When we told our first doctor that we would not be coming back (we didn't

even have a plan of where we were going to go), he gave us a huge, nasty

lecture. You would've thought no one had ever quit him before!

Just my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Joanne W. mom to Zoe (3-25-01) right clubfoot

Fairfax, Virginia, USA

Message: 9

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 20:45:52 +0200

Subject: RE: Re: Treatment in South Africa

Dear ,

Thanks very much for the info, all references help our research before

we make a final decision on why, where and how. We will contact Dr

Kiewiet via the website to see if he is aware of any trained doctors

using Ponseti in SA

Best,

(, bilateral cf born 24/1/03)

_________________________________________________________________

Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your mail Joanne,

Since my first mail a lot has happened in just over 48 hours. We have

spoken to Dr Ponseti and had his opinion on our email and 's

photos. He is of the opinion that he can treat 's feet in 20

days and that follow up treatment can be done by him long-distance via

email and phone. Anyone else had this long distance treatment

experience previously and how did it work out?).

We are currently making arrangements to fly to Iowa from South Africa

for 7th April to begin treatment, hopefully we can get it all together

by then - has to have his own SA passport to leave the country

- took a picture yesterday, it's very cute, he has a huge grin on his

face! Luckily I have a dual passport, so we do not have the delays of

waiting for an American visa, so he will land in the US on my Italian

passport, so no visa required. The timing with all this wartalk is not

ideal, but time is of the essence, so we cannot delay for any reason.

Once our dates are confirmed we will hopefully find accommodation at

Mac house to help with costs, Dr Ponseti's secretary seems

to think that we will be able to get in there. I hope Sanna will be

able to give more details on staying there, I'm not sure what facilities

there are for small babies - bottle sterilising and warming, etc - and

what to bring from home.

We see our orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. My uncle who is an

anaesthesiologist has already warned me that we may have a negative

reaction to a non surgical treatment. The surgeon is a very nice man

and I'm interested to see his reaction to our decision, but I don't

think anything is going to put us off now, we've made our decision and

are prepared to see it through for the next three years.

Thanks also to for the reference to treatment for relapses, it

was very interesting to read At least we know the worst scenario to

expect and it's still not as bad as possible problems after the surgical

approach.

Thanks to everyone who has responded for your support and advice, it has

been very useful for us to collect a lot of information in such a short

time.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your mail Joanne,

Since my first mail a lot has happened in just over 48 hours. We have

spoken to Dr Ponseti and had his opinion on our email and 's

photos. He is of the opinion that he can treat 's feet in 20

days and that follow up treatment can be done by him long-distance via

email and phone. Anyone else had this long distance treatment

experience previously and how did it work out?).

We are currently making arrangements to fly to Iowa from South Africa

for 7th April to begin treatment, hopefully we can get it all together

by then - has to have his own SA passport to leave the country

- took a picture yesterday, it's very cute, he has a huge grin on his

face! Luckily I have a dual passport, so we do not have the delays of

waiting for an American visa, so he will land in the US on my Italian

passport, so no visa required. The timing with all this wartalk is not

ideal, but time is of the essence, so we cannot delay for any reason.

Once our dates are confirmed we will hopefully find accommodation at

Mac house to help with costs, Dr Ponseti's secretary seems

to think that we will be able to get in there. I hope Sanna will be

able to give more details on staying there, I'm not sure what facilities

there are for small babies - bottle sterilising and warming, etc - and

what to bring from home.

We see our orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. My uncle who is an

anaesthesiologist has already warned me that we may have a negative

reaction to a non surgical treatment. The surgeon is a very nice man

and I'm interested to see his reaction to our decision, but I don't

think anything is going to put us off now, we've made our decision and

are prepared to see it through for the next three years.

Thanks also to for the reference to treatment for relapses, it

was very interesting to read At least we know the worst scenario to

expect and it's still not as bad as possible problems after the surgical

approach.

Thanks to everyone who has responded for your support and advice, it has

been very useful for us to collect a lot of information in such a short

time.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your mail Joanne,

Since my first mail a lot has happened in just over 48 hours. We have

spoken to Dr Ponseti and had his opinion on our email and 's

photos. He is of the opinion that he can treat 's feet in 20

days and that follow up treatment can be done by him long-distance via

email and phone. Anyone else had this long distance treatment

experience previously and how did it work out?).

We are currently making arrangements to fly to Iowa from South Africa

for 7th April to begin treatment, hopefully we can get it all together

by then - has to have his own SA passport to leave the country

- took a picture yesterday, it's very cute, he has a huge grin on his

face! Luckily I have a dual passport, so we do not have the delays of

waiting for an American visa, so he will land in the US on my Italian

passport, so no visa required. The timing with all this wartalk is not

ideal, but time is of the essence, so we cannot delay for any reason.

Once our dates are confirmed we will hopefully find accommodation at

Mac house to help with costs, Dr Ponseti's secretary seems

to think that we will be able to get in there. I hope Sanna will be

able to give more details on staying there, I'm not sure what facilities

there are for small babies - bottle sterilising and warming, etc - and

what to bring from home.

We see our orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. My uncle who is an

anaesthesiologist has already warned me that we may have a negative

reaction to a non surgical treatment. The surgeon is a very nice man

and I'm interested to see his reaction to our decision, but I don't

think anything is going to put us off now, we've made our decision and

are prepared to see it through for the next three years.

Thanks also to for the reference to treatment for relapses, it

was very interesting to read At least we know the worst scenario to

expect and it's still not as bad as possible problems after the surgical

approach.

Thanks to everyone who has responded for your support and advice, it has

been very useful for us to collect a lot of information in such a short

time.

Best,

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

and Steve,

I'm so excited for your family! I'm sure you will not regret your

decision. The Mc house is a lovely place to stay, and

there is absolutely everything one can wish for. You should ask them

if you can have a suite since you are staying there for a long time.

There is a bedroom and a sitting room/kitchen and a bathroom in a

suite. The cost of a suite is 15 dollars per day.

As for the bottle sterilising: you can sterilise bottles by soaking

them into boiling water for five minutes. At least that's how we do

it in Finland, we don't use any special sterilising appliances.

Boiling the bottles is an absolutely safe way to sterilise them. The

kitchens are fully equipped. If you give formula to your baby, there

is plenty of it in the pantry. You don't need to bring your own

towels nor linen with you.

There are lots of toys, games and books for children every age, so

you don't need to bring your own toys with you. There is also a baby

monitor you can borrow if you need one. There are high chairs and

baby beds in the house. If you want to go somewhere, shopping for

groceries for instance, just ask some of the volunteers in the

house, and they will take you.

This was all I could think of, please ask me anything that comes to

your mind.

I was in your shoes a few weeks ago and now it feels so good that

I'm on this side of the experience! Now that we look back at our

stay in Iowa, we are amazed how quickly Dr. Ponseti was able to

correct Veeti's foot, and how everything went well over all. The

people in the house are very nice and they will take good care of

you. I'm sure you will be fine too! Good luck to you and please keep

us posted.

Sanna & Veeti

> Thanks for your mail Joanne,

>

> Since my first mail a lot has happened in just over 48 hours. We

have

> spoken to Dr Ponseti and had his opinion on our email and

's

> photos. He is of the opinion that he can treat 's feet

in 20

> days and that follow up treatment can be done by him long-distance

via

> email and phone. Anyone else had this long distance treatment

> experience previously and how did it work out?).

>

> We are currently making arrangements to fly to Iowa from South

Africa

> for 7th April to begin treatment, hopefully we can get it all

together

> by then - has to have his own SA passport to leave the

country

> - took a picture yesterday, it's very cute, he has a huge grin on

his

> face! Luckily I have a dual passport, so we do not have the

delays of

> waiting for an American visa, so he will land in the US on my

Italian

> passport, so no visa required. The timing with all this wartalk

is not

> ideal, but time is of the essence, so we cannot delay for any

reason.

>

> Once our dates are confirmed we will hopefully find accommodation

at

> Mac house to help with costs, Dr Ponseti's secretary

seems

> to think that we will be able to get in there. I hope Sanna will

be

> able to give more details on staying there, I'm not sure what

facilities

> there are for small babies - bottle sterilising and warming, etc -

and

> what to bring from home.

>

> We see our orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. My uncle who is an

> anaesthesiologist has already warned me that we may have a negative

> reaction to a non surgical treatment. The surgeon is a very nice

man

> and I'm interested to see his reaction to our decision, but I don't

> think anything is going to put us off now, we've made our decision

and

> are prepared to see it through for the next three years.

>

> Thanks also to for the reference to treatment for relapses,

it

> was very interesting to read At least we know the worst scenario

to

> expect and it's still not as bad as possible problems after the

surgical

> approach.

>

> Thanks to everyone who has responded for your support and advice,

it has

> been very useful for us to collect a lot of information in such a

short

> time.

>

> Best,

>

> and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your advice and support on our last email,

After speaking on Friday to Dr Ponseti's secretary Joyce, who also

advised us to speak to Dr Pirani, we had an hour long conversation with

Dr Pirani which was extremely enlightening. We are amazed at the work

he has passionately done north of our borders since 1999. He tells us

that there are 'hundreds' of people able to do the Ponseti

manipulations. This, and your emails, has set our minds at rest that

'no-one can do them but Ponseti' is patently untrue.

Dr Pirani has offered to treat our son, and we are seriously considering

taking to him since we found out that there aren't very

regular flights to Malawi, meaning that we would have to stay there for

at least 5 days after each casting. The costs work out about the same

in Canada or Malawi and the advantages are that we can do the treatment

quicker and are assured of a excellent treatment. We will also be able

to discuss with Dr Pirani in more detail his bringing the Ponseti method

to South Africa.

It is heartbreaking for us to think of the many children having surgery

in our country, with parents unaware of the alternative available to

them. Apparently the surgery is often successful here, but what about

the unnecessary trauma to the child - and the times it doesn't work! We

have heard many stories of repeat surgery to correct problems when the

child is older. When we phoned Dr Ponseti's office Friday, Joyce told

us that he had a call that very morning from parents of a three year old

that had had unsuccessful surgery, unfortunately it was too late to help

them and this child is facing more surgery.

I () am a writer and will be writing articles on what we have

learnt and 's case for publication at least in a woman's

magazine and a baby magazine locally. We are encouraged that a local

pediatriac orthopaedic surgeon we spoke to believes in the Ponseti

method and plans to study it this August. We really hope he does, he'll

be a local pioneer ... our experience everywhere, except with this

doctor, was no information available at all on non-surgical intervention

and all doctors here using surgery - kind of shaking their heads that

you can be that naïve to believe that a non-surgical approach can work

so effectively.

A question for anyone who has travelled long distances (like Sanna) for

treatment. In your experience, is the return trip difficult for the

baby with the plasters? We are just a little concerned as Dr Lavy

mentioned the possibility of the legs swelling during long flights and

causing discomfort.

Thanks again!

and Steve Moss ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Sanna,

It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when is

the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

informed decision.

We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda and

Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

have shots for yellow fever, etc.

Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and we

don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over 3

and a half months by then.

So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for treatment

beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle urgent

work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3 plane

changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good time

too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having been

only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

the off days when there was no treatment?

I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on the

best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend for

warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

for his trip.

By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we go.

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

Re: Treatment in South Africa

,

It is difficult to say whether it was hard for Veeti to travel with

the cast on. As I mentioned, our journey lasted for 30 hours, and

there were many other issues that could have upset him: not getting

enough sleep due to many and frequent flight changed, having to sit

in my lap while on board the airplane and not being able to crawl

and move around... and I think Veeti's ears hurt while landing as he

was holding them and crying. Inspite of all this, he mostly was

happy and acting " normal " during the journey, so I don't think the

cast troubled him. They have baby baskets on the planes where you

can put your baby to sleep and perhaps put a blanket underneath the

feet to prevent swelling. In Finnair planes they attached the basket

to the wall separating business class and economy class, but in AA

planes they put the basket in my feet which was extremely difficult.

You should ask about the baby basket in advance so they will have

them on board for you.

The other passengers may be in danger however: Veeti kicked one co-

passenger with his cast when we were boarding..

Have you already decided what to do and where to go for treatment?

Sanna & Veeti 6.5.02 left clubfoot

> Thanks everyone for your advice and support on our last email,

>

> After speaking on Friday to Dr Ponseti's secretary Joyce, who also

> advised us to speak to Dr Pirani, we had an hour long conversation

with

> Dr Pirani which was extremely enlightening. We are amazed at the

work

> he has passionately done north of our borders since 1999. He

tells us

> that there are 'hundreds' of people able to do the Ponseti

> manipulations. This, and your emails, has set our minds at rest

that

> 'no-one can do them but Ponseti' is patently untrue.

>

> Dr Pirani has offered to treat our son, and we are seriously

considering

> taking to him since we found out that there aren't very

> regular flights to Malawi, meaning that we would have to stay

there for

> at least 5 days after each casting. The costs work out about the

same

> in Canada or Malawi and the advantages are that we can do the

treatment

> quicker and are assured of a excellent treatment. We will also be

able

> to discuss with Dr Pirani in more detail his bringing the Ponseti

method

> to South Africa.

>

> It is heartbreaking for us to think of the many children having

surgery

> in our country, with parents unaware of the alternative available

to

> them. Apparently the surgery is often successful here, but what

about

> the unnecessary trauma to the child - and the times it doesn't

work! We

> have heard many stories of repeat surgery to correct problems when

the

> child is older. When we phoned Dr Ponseti's office Friday, Joyce

told

> us that he had a call that very morning from parents of a three

year old

> that had had unsuccessful surgery, unfortunately it was too late

to help

> them and this child is facing more surgery.

>

> I () am a writer and will be writing articles on what we have

> learnt and 's case for publication at least in a woman's

> magazine and a baby magazine locally. We are encouraged that a

local

> pediatriac orthopaedic surgeon we spoke to believes in the Ponseti

> method and plans to study it this August. We really hope he does,

he'll

> be a local pioneer ... our experience everywhere, except with this

> doctor, was no information available at all on non-surgical

intervention

> and all doctors here using surgery - kind of shaking their heads

that

> you can be that naïve to believe that a non-surgical approach can

work

> so effectively.

>

> A question for anyone who has travelled long distances (like

Sanna) for

> treatment. In your experience, is the return trip difficult for

the

> baby with the plasters? We are just a little concerned as Dr Lavy

> mentioned the possibility of the legs swelling during long flights

and

> causing discomfort.

>

> Thanks again!

>

> and Steve Moss ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Sanna,

It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when is

the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

informed decision.

We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda and

Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

have shots for yellow fever, etc.

Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and we

don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over 3

and a half months by then.

So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for treatment

beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle urgent

work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3 plane

changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good time

too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having been

only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

the off days when there was no treatment?

I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on the

best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend for

warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

for his trip.

By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we go.

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

Re: Treatment in South Africa

,

It is difficult to say whether it was hard for Veeti to travel with

the cast on. As I mentioned, our journey lasted for 30 hours, and

there were many other issues that could have upset him: not getting

enough sleep due to many and frequent flight changed, having to sit

in my lap while on board the airplane and not being able to crawl

and move around... and I think Veeti's ears hurt while landing as he

was holding them and crying. Inspite of all this, he mostly was

happy and acting " normal " during the journey, so I don't think the

cast troubled him. They have baby baskets on the planes where you

can put your baby to sleep and perhaps put a blanket underneath the

feet to prevent swelling. In Finnair planes they attached the basket

to the wall separating business class and economy class, but in AA

planes they put the basket in my feet which was extremely difficult.

You should ask about the baby basket in advance so they will have

them on board for you.

The other passengers may be in danger however: Veeti kicked one co-

passenger with his cast when we were boarding..

Have you already decided what to do and where to go for treatment?

Sanna & Veeti 6.5.02 left clubfoot

> Thanks everyone for your advice and support on our last email,

>

> After speaking on Friday to Dr Ponseti's secretary Joyce, who also

> advised us to speak to Dr Pirani, we had an hour long conversation

with

> Dr Pirani which was extremely enlightening. We are amazed at the

work

> he has passionately done north of our borders since 1999. He

tells us

> that there are 'hundreds' of people able to do the Ponseti

> manipulations. This, and your emails, has set our minds at rest

that

> 'no-one can do them but Ponseti' is patently untrue.

>

> Dr Pirani has offered to treat our son, and we are seriously

considering

> taking to him since we found out that there aren't very

> regular flights to Malawi, meaning that we would have to stay

there for

> at least 5 days after each casting. The costs work out about the

same

> in Canada or Malawi and the advantages are that we can do the

treatment

> quicker and are assured of a excellent treatment. We will also be

able

> to discuss with Dr Pirani in more detail his bringing the Ponseti

method

> to South Africa.

>

> It is heartbreaking for us to think of the many children having

surgery

> in our country, with parents unaware of the alternative available

to

> them. Apparently the surgery is often successful here, but what

about

> the unnecessary trauma to the child - and the times it doesn't

work! We

> have heard many stories of repeat surgery to correct problems when

the

> child is older. When we phoned Dr Ponseti's office Friday, Joyce

told

> us that he had a call that very morning from parents of a three

year old

> that had had unsuccessful surgery, unfortunately it was too late

to help

> them and this child is facing more surgery.

>

> I () am a writer and will be writing articles on what we have

> learnt and 's case for publication at least in a woman's

> magazine and a baby magazine locally. We are encouraged that a

local

> pediatriac orthopaedic surgeon we spoke to believes in the Ponseti

> method and plans to study it this August. We really hope he does,

he'll

> be a local pioneer ... our experience everywhere, except with this

> doctor, was no information available at all on non-surgical

intervention

> and all doctors here using surgery - kind of shaking their heads

that

> you can be that naïve to believe that a non-surgical approach can

work

> so effectively.

>

> A question for anyone who has travelled long distances (like

Sanna) for

> treatment. In your experience, is the return trip difficult for

the

> baby with the plasters? We are just a little concerned as Dr Lavy

> mentioned the possibility of the legs swelling during long flights

and

> causing discomfort.

>

> Thanks again!

>

> and Steve Moss ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

Sanna,

It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when is

the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

informed decision.

We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda and

Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

have shots for yellow fever, etc.

Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and we

don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over 3

and a half months by then.

So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for treatment

beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle urgent

work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3 plane

changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good time

too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having been

only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

the off days when there was no treatment?

I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on the

best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend for

warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

for his trip.

By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we go.

and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

Re: Treatment in South Africa

,

It is difficult to say whether it was hard for Veeti to travel with

the cast on. As I mentioned, our journey lasted for 30 hours, and

there were many other issues that could have upset him: not getting

enough sleep due to many and frequent flight changed, having to sit

in my lap while on board the airplane and not being able to crawl

and move around... and I think Veeti's ears hurt while landing as he

was holding them and crying. Inspite of all this, he mostly was

happy and acting " normal " during the journey, so I don't think the

cast troubled him. They have baby baskets on the planes where you

can put your baby to sleep and perhaps put a blanket underneath the

feet to prevent swelling. In Finnair planes they attached the basket

to the wall separating business class and economy class, but in AA

planes they put the basket in my feet which was extremely difficult.

You should ask about the baby basket in advance so they will have

them on board for you.

The other passengers may be in danger however: Veeti kicked one co-

passenger with his cast when we were boarding..

Have you already decided what to do and where to go for treatment?

Sanna & Veeti 6.5.02 left clubfoot

> Thanks everyone for your advice and support on our last email,

>

> After speaking on Friday to Dr Ponseti's secretary Joyce, who also

> advised us to speak to Dr Pirani, we had an hour long conversation

with

> Dr Pirani which was extremely enlightening. We are amazed at the

work

> he has passionately done north of our borders since 1999. He

tells us

> that there are 'hundreds' of people able to do the Ponseti

> manipulations. This, and your emails, has set our minds at rest

that

> 'no-one can do them but Ponseti' is patently untrue.

>

> Dr Pirani has offered to treat our son, and we are seriously

considering

> taking to him since we found out that there aren't very

> regular flights to Malawi, meaning that we would have to stay

there for

> at least 5 days after each casting. The costs work out about the

same

> in Canada or Malawi and the advantages are that we can do the

treatment

> quicker and are assured of a excellent treatment. We will also be

able

> to discuss with Dr Pirani in more detail his bringing the Ponseti

method

> to South Africa.

>

> It is heartbreaking for us to think of the many children having

surgery

> in our country, with parents unaware of the alternative available

to

> them. Apparently the surgery is often successful here, but what

about

> the unnecessary trauma to the child - and the times it doesn't

work! We

> have heard many stories of repeat surgery to correct problems when

the

> child is older. When we phoned Dr Ponseti's office Friday, Joyce

told

> us that he had a call that very morning from parents of a three

year old

> that had had unsuccessful surgery, unfortunately it was too late

to help

> them and this child is facing more surgery.

>

> I () am a writer and will be writing articles on what we have

> learnt and 's case for publication at least in a woman's

> magazine and a baby magazine locally. We are encouraged that a

local

> pediatriac orthopaedic surgeon we spoke to believes in the Ponseti

> method and plans to study it this August. We really hope he does,

he'll

> be a local pioneer ... our experience everywhere, except with this

> doctor, was no information available at all on non-surgical

intervention

> and all doctors here using surgery - kind of shaking their heads

that

> you can be that naïve to believe that a non-surgical approach can

work

> so effectively.

>

> A question for anyone who has travelled long distances (like

Sanna) for

> treatment. In your experience, is the return trip difficult for

the

> baby with the plasters? We are just a little concerned as Dr Lavy

> mentioned the possibility of the legs swelling during long flights

and

> causing discomfort.

>

> Thanks again!

>

> and Steve Moss ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sorry I haven't jumped in to answer some of your questions earlier.

I'm glad your plans are getting worked out. My family lives in Iowa

City, so if there's anything you need to know, please don't hesitate to

ask.

Moss wrote:

> Sanna,

>

> It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when

> is

> the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

> secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

> absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

> informed decision.

>

> We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda

> and

> Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

>

> through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

>

> the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

>

> have shots for yellow fever, etc.

>

> Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

> America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and

> we

> don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over

> 3

> and a half months by then.

>

> So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for

> treatment

> beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

> time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

> off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle

> urgent

> work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

>

> Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

> available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

> better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

>

> suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3

> plane

> changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good

> time

> too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

>

> We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having

> been

> only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

>

> the off days when there was no treatment?

>

> I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on

> the

> best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend

> for

> warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

> for his trip.

>

> By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

> Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

>

> English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

>

> Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we

> go.

>

>

> and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sorry I haven't jumped in to answer some of your questions earlier.

I'm glad your plans are getting worked out. My family lives in Iowa

City, so if there's anything you need to know, please don't hesitate to

ask.

Moss wrote:

> Sanna,

>

> It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when

> is

> the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

> secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

> absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

> informed decision.

>

> We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda

> and

> Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

>

> through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

>

> the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

>

> have shots for yellow fever, etc.

>

> Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

> America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and

> we

> don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over

> 3

> and a half months by then.

>

> So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for

> treatment

> beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

> time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

> off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle

> urgent

> work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

>

> Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

> available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

> better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

>

> suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3

> plane

> changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good

> time

> too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

>

> We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having

> been

> only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

>

> the off days when there was no treatment?

>

> I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on

> the

> best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend

> for

> warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

> for his trip.

>

> By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

> Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

>

> English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

>

> Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we

> go.

>

>

> and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sorry I haven't jumped in to answer some of your questions earlier.

I'm glad your plans are getting worked out. My family lives in Iowa

City, so if there's anything you need to know, please don't hesitate to

ask.

Moss wrote:

> Sanna,

>

> It's been a week of tons of new information, deciding where and when

> is

> the best for 's treatment and speaking to Dr Ponseti, his

> secretary and Dr Pirani at length. It's taken the last 48 hours to

> absorbe and process everything we've learnt so that we can make an

> informed decision.

>

> We are sure to get good treatment (according to Dr Pirani) in Uganda

> and

> Malawi and the advantage is short distance and no time zones to travel

>

> through. But we are worried about taking to an area that has

>

> the risk of illness like malaria, and we believe that he would have to

>

> have shots for yellow fever, etc.

>

> Dr Pirani offered to treat him in Vancouver, but he is away in South

> America until 5th May training more doctors (luckily for them!), and

> we

> don't want to postpone 's treatment by that long, he will be over

> 3

> and a half months by then.

>

> So it's back to our original decision, to go to Dr Ponseti for

> treatment

> beginning 7th April for three weeks. The inconvenience of travel and

> time changes is just part of the package and now that Steve has taken

> off the time from his business and put someone in place to handle

> urgent

> work for him, it won't be so bad than if I was doing it alone.

>

> Today we must contact Joyce Roller to confirm that Dr Ponseti is

> available (he told me on the phone to come anytime, the sooner the

> better) and book accommodation at Mac for us, hopefully a

>

> suite is available during that time. It looks like our flights (3

> plane

> changes) and 's documentation are coming together in good

> time

> too, so we're only a few steps from mission accomplished!

>

> We're quite interested in seeing Iowa City and the Mid-west, having

> been

> only to the East and West coasts of the US before. What did you do on

>

> the off days when there was no treatment?

>

> I've been reading with great interest all the advice from people on

> the

> best clothing for the casts, DBB, etc. Went shopping on the weekend

> for

> warm clothes ... we have a mild climate, but I found some great stuff

> for his trip.

>

> By the way, do all Finnish people write such good English, I was in

> Sweden a couple of times in the 80's and was very impressed with their

>

> English speaking. Your emails are a pleasure to read!

>

> Thanks for the advice so far, I may be asking you for more before we

> go.

>

>

> and Steve ( 24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf)