Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, Everything went very well, we finished early! only needed 4 casts with the tenotomy, his feet corrected faster than expected. We left Iowa City and spent a few days in NYC to break the trip back to South Africa, so we only had one 14.5 hour flight home instead of 30 hours travelling. By the way, we met the Swedish Ponseti doctor (can't remember his name) on the day of 's 3rd cast. He is very nice and told us that he visits Dr Ponseti every few years because he is his 'idol'! I contacted Dr Ponseti this week because it was 2 weeks on Tuesday since the tenotomy and is growing out of the casts - he has had a big growth spurt in length. I was a little worried because his toes are hanging right over the edge. But Dr Ponseti says not to worry unless anything looks really squashed or blue (it doesn't), he'd rather the casts are left on until Saturday or Sunday to give the Achilles tendons enough time to heal. We're really looking forward to saying goodbye to casts, which have been part of our lives since was 6 days old (14 weeks is enough!). After the casts come off, we'll take it one day at a time with the DBB, etc. I'm a little apprehensive as well as excited, because we're all alone in this country with the Ponseti method, but Dr Ponseti told us he is only a phone call or email away if we need him! Everyone here is so amazed and impressed at 's feet being straight in so little time. They can't believe that there is not one doctor doing it here. I get sad when I think of all the babies with no option but surgery in this country - 90% of all clubfeet are operated on. We have come back with videos, Dr P's book and other literature. I will be writing about our experience of the Ponseti method for publications and a local babycare website. I'm thinking of starting a South African support group for other parents as I have already been asked by two midwifes if they can give my number to other parents with newborns. I'm not sure how to do this, but we'll see how it goes. Will also be contacting two local paediatric orthpaedic surgeons who have expressed interest in the Ponseti method (one of them is in Johannesburg, where we live) to show them 's feet and give them any information they need. I'm really hoping that they learn it, the sooner it gets here the better so that other parents can have the choice of a different treatment. We're happy to be home, but even happier that we did the trip to Iowa City, it's one of the best things I've ever done in my life and Steve feels the same way. Best, , Steve and (24th Jan 2003) Happy First Birthday to Veeti! > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > Iloinen alku! > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > vilpittömästi, > & > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, Everything went very well, we finished early! only needed 4 casts with the tenotomy, his feet corrected faster than expected. We left Iowa City and spent a few days in NYC to break the trip back to South Africa, so we only had one 14.5 hour flight home instead of 30 hours travelling. By the way, we met the Swedish Ponseti doctor (can't remember his name) on the day of 's 3rd cast. He is very nice and told us that he visits Dr Ponseti every few years because he is his 'idol'! I contacted Dr Ponseti this week because it was 2 weeks on Tuesday since the tenotomy and is growing out of the casts - he has had a big growth spurt in length. I was a little worried because his toes are hanging right over the edge. But Dr Ponseti says not to worry unless anything looks really squashed or blue (it doesn't), he'd rather the casts are left on until Saturday or Sunday to give the Achilles tendons enough time to heal. We're really looking forward to saying goodbye to casts, which have been part of our lives since was 6 days old (14 weeks is enough!). After the casts come off, we'll take it one day at a time with the DBB, etc. I'm a little apprehensive as well as excited, because we're all alone in this country with the Ponseti method, but Dr Ponseti told us he is only a phone call or email away if we need him! Everyone here is so amazed and impressed at 's feet being straight in so little time. They can't believe that there is not one doctor doing it here. I get sad when I think of all the babies with no option but surgery in this country - 90% of all clubfeet are operated on. We have come back with videos, Dr P's book and other literature. I will be writing about our experience of the Ponseti method for publications and a local babycare website. I'm thinking of starting a South African support group for other parents as I have already been asked by two midwifes if they can give my number to other parents with newborns. I'm not sure how to do this, but we'll see how it goes. Will also be contacting two local paediatric orthpaedic surgeons who have expressed interest in the Ponseti method (one of them is in Johannesburg, where we live) to show them 's feet and give them any information they need. I'm really hoping that they learn it, the sooner it gets here the better so that other parents can have the choice of a different treatment. We're happy to be home, but even happier that we did the trip to Iowa City, it's one of the best things I've ever done in my life and Steve feels the same way. Best, , Steve and (24th Jan 2003) Happy First Birthday to Veeti! > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > Iloinen alku! > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > vilpittömästi, > & > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, Everything went very well, we finished early! only needed 4 casts with the tenotomy, his feet corrected faster than expected. We left Iowa City and spent a few days in NYC to break the trip back to South Africa, so we only had one 14.5 hour flight home instead of 30 hours travelling. By the way, we met the Swedish Ponseti doctor (can't remember his name) on the day of 's 3rd cast. He is very nice and told us that he visits Dr Ponseti every few years because he is his 'idol'! I contacted Dr Ponseti this week because it was 2 weeks on Tuesday since the tenotomy and is growing out of the casts - he has had a big growth spurt in length. I was a little worried because his toes are hanging right over the edge. But Dr Ponseti says not to worry unless anything looks really squashed or blue (it doesn't), he'd rather the casts are left on until Saturday or Sunday to give the Achilles tendons enough time to heal. We're really looking forward to saying goodbye to casts, which have been part of our lives since was 6 days old (14 weeks is enough!). After the casts come off, we'll take it one day at a time with the DBB, etc. I'm a little apprehensive as well as excited, because we're all alone in this country with the Ponseti method, but Dr Ponseti told us he is only a phone call or email away if we need him! Everyone here is so amazed and impressed at 's feet being straight in so little time. They can't believe that there is not one doctor doing it here. I get sad when I think of all the babies with no option but surgery in this country - 90% of all clubfeet are operated on. We have come back with videos, Dr P's book and other literature. I will be writing about our experience of the Ponseti method for publications and a local babycare website. I'm thinking of starting a South African support group for other parents as I have already been asked by two midwifes if they can give my number to other parents with newborns. I'm not sure how to do this, but we'll see how it goes. Will also be contacting two local paediatric orthpaedic surgeons who have expressed interest in the Ponseti method (one of them is in Johannesburg, where we live) to show them 's feet and give them any information they need. I'm really hoping that they learn it, the sooner it gets here the better so that other parents can have the choice of a different treatment. We're happy to be home, but even happier that we did the trip to Iowa City, it's one of the best things I've ever done in my life and Steve feels the same way. Best, , Steve and (24th Jan 2003) Happy First Birthday to Veeti! > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > Iloinen alku! > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > vilpittömästi, > & > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 , You have a wonderful task ahead of you to help other parents from S. Africa be able to have the Ponseti method available to them. Statistically, there appear to be about 1,000 children born per year in S. Africa with clubfoot. Perahps Dr. Lavy in Malawi and Dr. Pirani in Vancouver may be able to help figure out a training clinic in S. Africa at some time in the future. For that to be possible, it would be important for at least one ped ortho to be a champion of the method in S. Africa. In June 1999, there were only 4 of us Ponseti method parents on the internet and it has been exciting to see how it has expanded since then. and (3-17-99) > > Sanna, > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed and > a > very > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > Veeti! > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > Iloinen alku! > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > vilpittömästi, > > & > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 , You have a wonderful task ahead of you to help other parents from S. Africa be able to have the Ponseti method available to them. Statistically, there appear to be about 1,000 children born per year in S. Africa with clubfoot. Perahps Dr. Lavy in Malawi and Dr. Pirani in Vancouver may be able to help figure out a training clinic in S. Africa at some time in the future. For that to be possible, it would be important for at least one ped ortho to be a champion of the method in S. Africa. In June 1999, there were only 4 of us Ponseti method parents on the internet and it has been exciting to see how it has expanded since then. and (3-17-99) > > Sanna, > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed and > a > very > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > Veeti! > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > Iloinen alku! > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > vilpittömästi, > > & > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 , You have a wonderful task ahead of you to help other parents from S. Africa be able to have the Ponseti method available to them. Statistically, there appear to be about 1,000 children born per year in S. Africa with clubfoot. Perahps Dr. Lavy in Malawi and Dr. Pirani in Vancouver may be able to help figure out a training clinic in S. Africa at some time in the future. For that to be possible, it would be important for at least one ped ortho to be a champion of the method in S. Africa. In June 1999, there were only 4 of us Ponseti method parents on the internet and it has been exciting to see how it has expanded since then. and (3-17-99) > > Sanna, > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed and > a > very > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > Veeti! > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > Iloinen alku! > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > vilpittömästi, > > & > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 , I'm so happy for you and little . I felt exactly like you about the casts, the DBB, beign in Iowa and getting home, being the only one whose child had been treated with the Ponseti method, feeling sorry for all the others, etc. I was very exited about spreading the word in Finland, but was soon named a " fanatic " whose pity was not needed... apparently I didn't present my case correctly. It is so hard when you are so happy, but yet you should try to remain " neutral " so that you wouldn't hurt the feelings of those whose children have already been operated on. Everyone who knows us have been amazed about Veeti's foot, and how it was corrected in two weeks - everyone but the doctors. I will be presenting Veeti's " case " in a clubfoot conference in Helsinki at the end of May, and I hope that someone there takes interest in Ponseti method. I wish you very much luck for your efforts, and please keep us posted if any progress is made in South Africa. You will be having some exiting times ahead when you are removing the casts and start using the DBB. Good luck and keep us posted on that too! Sanna & Veeti > > Sanna, > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed and > a > very > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > Veeti! > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > Iloinen alku! > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > vilpittömästi, > > & > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, You need to remember that many of the parents that you are trying to tell have already had the surgery and no longer have a choice for initial treatment. They have done the best thing that was available to them by the best doctors in their area. Bringing up the existence and possibility of the Ponseti method may not be something that is exciting for them when they no longer have that choice. But those who are expecting or who have new babies who have not yet had the surgery will be paying attention and researching trying to figure out what they should do. Have patience and faith. The first 6 months to a year of the introduction of the Ponseti method on the internet in 1999 was not much different than what you are experiencing by yourself in Finland. Ultimately you will find other new Finnish parents who will see your messages and follow your example. Then as more Ponseti parents are on your list, you can work together to help the other new parents until eventually there is a local Finnish doctor who will begin to offer the method. It will all happen, it is just how long it will take to happen that is the question. It is just a matter of getting parents the information so that they know that they have a choice that they can make. Just come here occasionally for encouragement since we can't write in Finnish to come and help you. and (3-17-99) > > > Sanna, > > > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed > and > > a > > very > > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > > Veeti! > > > > > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > > Iloinen alku! > > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > > vilpittömästi, > > > & > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, You need to remember that many of the parents that you are trying to tell have already had the surgery and no longer have a choice for initial treatment. They have done the best thing that was available to them by the best doctors in their area. Bringing up the existence and possibility of the Ponseti method may not be something that is exciting for them when they no longer have that choice. But those who are expecting or who have new babies who have not yet had the surgery will be paying attention and researching trying to figure out what they should do. Have patience and faith. The first 6 months to a year of the introduction of the Ponseti method on the internet in 1999 was not much different than what you are experiencing by yourself in Finland. Ultimately you will find other new Finnish parents who will see your messages and follow your example. Then as more Ponseti parents are on your list, you can work together to help the other new parents until eventually there is a local Finnish doctor who will begin to offer the method. It will all happen, it is just how long it will take to happen that is the question. It is just a matter of getting parents the information so that they know that they have a choice that they can make. Just come here occasionally for encouragement since we can't write in Finnish to come and help you. and (3-17-99) > > > Sanna, > > > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed > and > > a > > very > > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > > Veeti! > > > > > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > > Iloinen alku! > > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > > vilpittömästi, > > > & > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Sanna, You need to remember that many of the parents that you are trying to tell have already had the surgery and no longer have a choice for initial treatment. They have done the best thing that was available to them by the best doctors in their area. Bringing up the existence and possibility of the Ponseti method may not be something that is exciting for them when they no longer have that choice. But those who are expecting or who have new babies who have not yet had the surgery will be paying attention and researching trying to figure out what they should do. Have patience and faith. The first 6 months to a year of the introduction of the Ponseti method on the internet in 1999 was not much different than what you are experiencing by yourself in Finland. Ultimately you will find other new Finnish parents who will see your messages and follow your example. Then as more Ponseti parents are on your list, you can work together to help the other new parents until eventually there is a local Finnish doctor who will begin to offer the method. It will all happen, it is just how long it will take to happen that is the question. It is just a matter of getting parents the information so that they know that they have a choice that they can make. Just come here occasionally for encouragement since we can't write in Finnish to come and help you. and (3-17-99) > > > Sanna, > > > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed > and > > a > > very > > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > > Veeti! > > > > > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > > Iloinen alku! > > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > > vilpittömästi, > > > & > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 , You are absolutely right. And I will be coming here often, don't worry! Thank you for the support. Sanna & Veeti > > > > Sanna, > > > > > > > > Great news, we're glad that your worries have been allayed > > and > > > a > > > very > > > > happy 1st birthday to Veeti from us all (in South Africa) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Happy First Birthday to > > > Veeti! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sending a birthday hello to Veeti in Finland! > > > > Iloinen alku! > > > > Hankkia ihmeellinen ikä! > > > > vilpittömästi, > > > > & > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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