RE: Updating original doctor

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Yes, we did contact our first doctor (in South Africa). After 8 casts,

we were headed for scheduled surgery on 's bilateral clubfoot, when

we told the doctor that we were taking (10,000 miles) to Iowa. He

was very sceptical, but quite kind to us about our decision. We phoned

him when we got back to tell him that 's feet were straight, after

less than three weeks in Iowa. had been scheduled for surgery at 3

months, but his feet were corrected by Dr Ponseti before that date!

That was last May. I haven't spoken to him directly since then, but I

am in regular contact with the doctors here who are now using the

Ponseti method, as well as parents who visit my clubfoot website. A few

of his patients switched to the Ponseti doctors over the past few

months, after contacting me. I had heard from them that he was

modifying his method somewhat (using full leg casts, the DBB although

not at 70 deg), but still not doing the Ponseti Method.

I was VERY happy to hear about a month ago that this same doctor is now

working together with the Ponseti method doctors at a hospital, and is

learning the method from them. I'm sure the great results they are

achieving have also inspired him, I really believe that he has his

patients' best interests at heart. I have heard that he will be doing

the Ponseti Method from now on for typical clubfeet. It might have

taken a year, but I don't think doctors usually change very quickly,

they are quite conservative and stick to what they have been taught,

until proved otherwise. At least he was willing to change after over 30

years of Kite method and operations!

My personal mission has been to spread the word wherever I go,

especially to any medical people, in the hope that it will gradually

trickle through. It doesn't hurt to try! If you are enthusiastic and

excited about it, I can't see how it will offend anyone. You could give

him Dr Ponseti's website details and any other information you think he

might use to get further information if he's interested.

That's great news about Lyssa's good results!

and

(24 Jan 2003)

Update on Lyssa

I have a question for parents that have changed doctors after

surgery was recommended and achieved correction with the Ponseti

method and no surgery. Has anyone gone back to the orginial doctor

to let them know that your child is corrected without surgery? My

husband and I were discussing talking to our orginial doctor in

hopes that he would see that the modifications he is using to the

Ponseti method are wrong, but we aren't sure how to go about it

without offending him. We truely believe he is a dedicated doctor

but just needs to see the difference correct training will make.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Kathy and Lyssa (8/7/03, DBB 12hrs)

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

I wanted to add to my email, that even if your approach is friendly and

enthusiastic and they still get offended, I've always felt that I have

to try anyway. Just the thought of babies possibly still being operated

on unnecessarily gives me the motivation to keep on telling people!

www.clubfoot.co.za