SHELLEY & others, M.H.O. about Kavan and toddler relapse...

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your post. First of

all, no, unfortunately I do not have any pictures of Kavan's feet at

relapse to email you. Never dawned on me to take them, yet now I am

thinking how helpful it would be for other parents' of toddlers...

another one of those 'hindsight' issues! )

I am certainly not as educated as some here on the board as far as

the resources to direct you too. HOwever, I was a huge part of this

board during the first year of Kavan's life and throughout his

initial correction. However, I feel that my 'specialty' in trying to

help you comes from another perspective as well. As you probably

read, I am the mother of 8 children under age 13. I mention this

because I STRONGLY feel that we mothers' (and often Daddys too) are

blessed with a strong INSTINCT when it comes to our precious

children's well- being.

I KNEW in my heart (that ole instinct thing) LONG before I was

willing to admit it, that Kavan was regressing. I WISH I would have

verbalized it sooner and sought help sooner as I am sure that would

have been far more advantagious for my son. So... what I am telling

YOU and any others who are in this spot... listen to your instincts

and heart on this one. Local pediatricians and family are well

meaning, and can often tell you what you 'want' to hear either due to

(1)lack of knowledge about clubfoot in general, let alone

correction/relapse issues or (2)desire to alleviate the worry in you.

Sounds like our sons are very close in age, at this point it appears

that Kavan is a total success story for casting a relapsed toddler.

He gets his casts off this Friday and then we head into 18 hrs./day

with the FAB and you can BET it won't be a minute less!!

MY PERSONAL ADVISE FOR YOU: DO NOT beat yourself up! I tormented my

heart and mind with guilt over my decisions/lack of where Kavan was

concerned, and I can tell you that is not only wortless, but really

negatively affects you, your husband &family, and indirectly your

little guy with cf. PLEASE contact Dr. Ponseti directly and email

pics if a trip there is not possible. Most importantly, be kind to

yourself and know there IS non-surgical hope, Kavan is proof. Even

if this isn't the outcome you experience, your little guy is so lucky

to have such a special momma who cares so much! Please email me

privately if you would like me to call you or any other questions you

may have. kbyrd915@...

Have a great day and sorry again for the delay in answering!

Tina and Kavan (born: 6-25-00 w/ bilateral cf, treated by Dr. Ponseti

at 6 weeks old, fully corrected. FAB dc'd too early at almost 3

years, suffered regression in both feet. Re-casted by Dr. POnseti at

age 3.5 years, in last casts and full correction appears to have been

achieved according to Dr. P.!) )