Re: Digest Number 1277

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen,

Yes, not only do we intent to tell our , but we've already begun.

You probably don't know our story, so I'll give you the quick version.

was born in 12/98 with bilateral clubfoot. We didn't know of the

Ponseti method until was a year old, and used the French physiotherapy

method. 18 months of therapy produced very good results cosmetically, but

was not walking well, just taking a step or two at a time. Surgery

became necessary. Dr. Chorney of NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases performed

2 procedures on each foot in surgery on 6/21/00, and was walking well

within 3 months. He has needed no further surgery to date. He is now a

beautiful, active 4 year old who keeps me hopping!!

We've started to tell about his journey, telling him that when he was

born, his feet had boo-boos and that Mommy and Daddy love him sooooooo much

that they and his oldest sister worked with him every night (sometimes after

he fell asleep) along with his pediatric chiropractor (who supervised his

progress a couple of times a week and Dr. Chorney (and, previously, another

doctor) to help his feet get well. We also remind him regularly not to sit

in " W " position and explained that it is not good for his feet to do that.

(I think he has heard, " , sit right! " more times than I can tell you.)

We are making 's learning of his saga as much a natural part of his

life as the journey ifself was. When he is older, we will give him a box

that contains all of his casts and braces and a rather large looseleaf

notebook of information, his medical records, and emails from friends across

the country and Canada who prayed for him throughout his journey, his

surgery, and his recovery.

Because both of his feet were involved, 's calves are fairly even in

size, so we don't have an issue with that. Both calves are a tad undersized

and we will continue to work with him to build up muscles in his legs as he

grows. He rides a tricycle now and his next assignment from Dr. Chorney is

to, as soon as he is well-coordinated enough, is to teach him to roller

skate to help him conquer what pigeon-toedness he still has and to

strengthen his leg muscles. We will especially encourage him in sports

that will not be high-impact because of the problems we have heard children

with a history of clubfoot can have with that. As for running, LOL, this

little guy runs all over the place. I sincerely doubt that the clubfoot

history or his calves have slowed him down at all. He's as rambunctious as

our older 4 were at the same age.

Blessings,

Pam

Message: 5

Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 19:59:59 -0000

Subject: What do you plan to tell your child?(more)

Hi I was just wondering what any of you are planning to tell your

child about his or her foot/feet.

Do you plan to make a big deal out of it, or downplay it?

Do you plan to tell the child that their foot is smaller or their

calf is skinnier because of clubfoot, or that they might not be as

fast of a runner because of it?

Just curious--if anyone had given it any thought.

Jen

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

It's been a very long time since I've seen your E-mails about it is

nice to hear he is doing well now. This is Zachary's mother from Mass. who

also goes to NYU Hospital but to Dr. Harold van Bosse and previously to Dr.

Feldman. Zachary is doing well he is three years old and is starting to

ride his bike too, he peddles well.

We have not been back to the doctors yet this spring but are do to have a

checkup soon. His pediatrican is very pleased with the process of the

Ponseti Method and that Zachary's feet are doing well. His calf is much

smaller one the right since that was his clubfoot. It was nice hearing your

still involved here on the board.

God Bless, Kathy and Family