As we approached the end of the second week of our son's post operation from his hip dysplasia, our son, still not allowed to run, jump and play with other kids outside our house, requested that we take him to the movie house and watch Walt Disney's movie UP. As I realized that he hasn't watched a cartoon movie in a movie house yet, I told my son that we will watch the movie together with my wife the following day.
As the big day came, my wife declined to come with us as she was tired from her work. Not to spoil the excitement of our son, we decided that we'll just have a father and son date. Boy I was excited! My son chose his preferred clothes, shoes and hurriedly went to the car. As we were parking our car, he kept on telling me to hurry up as he wanted to watch the movie already. Talk about excitement.
As we went inside the movie house, my son held my hand tightly. He doesn't like dark places and he was looking around the movie house, sort of afraid and excited. As he saw other kids also, he looked at me last then he smiled. We went on to watch the movie and from time to time I look at him, so serious in watching the movie, eating fries, smiling and sometimes laughing at the funny scenes
My son, in the movie house for the first time. The smile on the face of my son made me ecstatic! It made me proud to be a father, spending time with him and having this kind of bonding, watching a movie that he likes. As I was contemplating on how lucky I was, always being there for him in the major events of his life, the hip dysplasia operation, removal of spica cast and implants, 1st horse back ride, 1st basketball game and now this movie date, I can't help but to be thankful that I get to spend time with him always.
The movie runs at around an hour and a half, but it felt like it would go on forever. My son enjoyed the movie so much that he asked me to watch it again. As we were expected by my wife to be home by dinner, we decided to go straight home. As we were leaving the mall, he asked for a last request, a balloon! :)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA: Fast Forward to 2nd Week
We felt sad for our son during his 1st week of his post operation on his hip dysplasia. Not allowed to run and jump for two weeks,he would just look at his playmates outside our house, go back to our room and watch TV or his favorite cartoons. So bored with his activities that he would want to go with me and my wife even to buy something at the groceries.
So to reward him for not disobeying the doctors' orders, we treated him, his brother and cousins to a horse back riding in the nearby mall. Wow! The look on his face said it all. He was excited! He hurriedly chose his clothes, put on his shoes and went straight to the car.
As we arrived near the place, he was looking at all the horses, started counting and was very excited to go down already. So excited that he went directly to the waiting area, where there were a lot of kids already waiting for their turn to ride. As his time came, he rode the horse without me or even my wife. He was so happy that he didn't even asked us to ride with him, as what the other kids were doing, asking their guardians or parents to go with them. Only the instructor was with him. He went on to ride twice. And when he finished his ride, he was all smiles and were telling us how brave he was and how he loved the horse.
As for me and my wife, we were so happy that we get to spend time with him, see him and his brother enjoy our treat for them.
So to reward him for not disobeying the doctors' orders, we treated him, his brother and cousins to a horse back riding in the nearby mall. Wow! The look on his face said it all. He was excited! He hurriedly chose his clothes, put on his shoes and went straight to the car.
As we arrived near the place, he was looking at all the horses, started counting and was very excited to go down already. So excited that he went directly to the waiting area, where there were a lot of kids already waiting for their turn to ride. As his time came, he rode the horse without me or even my wife. He was so happy that he didn't even asked us to ride with him, as what the other kids were doing, asking their guardians or parents to go with them. Only the instructor was with him. He went on to ride twice. And when he finished his ride, he was all smiles and were telling us how brave he was and how he loved the horse.
As for me and my wife, we were so happy that we get to spend time with him, see him and his brother enjoy our treat for them.
Friday, August 21, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA: Post Operation 3rd Day
Our son's energy came at a halt after his 3rd day of his operation on his hip dysplasia. He was having a high fever, cough and colds that started late in the afternoon up to the evening. When we consulted our neighbor who is a pediatrician, she said that it was normal for it to happen especially after operations.
So my son had to stop trying from running and jumping for a day. He wasn't able to eat well also and was even dead tired to watch his favorite Barney and Sponge Bob shows. We were up all night monitoring his fever and made sure that he was warm enough to be able to sleep well and have a proper rest.
Good thing was we were able to change his bandage easily this time. He was just looking at his wound, then he will put his attention in watching TV. After we replaced his bandage, he then said "Finished already! I'm not afraid." After hearing him said that, we knew that he will be fine.
So my son had to stop trying from running and jumping for a day. He wasn't able to eat well also and was even dead tired to watch his favorite Barney and Sponge Bob shows. We were up all night monitoring his fever and made sure that he was warm enough to be able to sleep well and have a proper rest.
Good thing was we were able to change his bandage easily this time. He was just looking at his wound, then he will put his attention in watching TV. After we replaced his bandage, he then said "Finished already! I'm not afraid." After hearing him said that, we knew that he will be fine.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA: Post Operation 2nd Day
Our son never fails to surprise us. After his first day of his operation where he crawled and walked, his second day was more of a surprise and a scare! This time, he started to hop then jump. Not satisfied, he tried to run and made my wife and I run after him and stopped him. He was not supposed to run or jump for two weeks. Yet with the progress he's doing, it will not take him long before he tries to push beyond his limits and get healed immediately.
The problems we have encountered so far after the doctor removed his implants are during when we change his dressings on his wound and make him drink his medicines.
It takes us usually almost an hour in removing the tapes, bandages and putting on new ones. We usually take this long so as not to aggravate his wound. Not to mention the constant cries and pleas on not to touch his wound and not change the bandage entirely.
The medication time is also a bit of a challenge. Our son needs to drink a lot of medicines for his operation. Antibiotics, pain reliever and vitamins. Not to mention the taste of these medicines, it usually makes my wife and I creative in trying to convince him drink these. Well as long as our son will fully recover after two operations on his hip dysplasia, we'll take any hardships that will come our way.
The problems we have encountered so far after the doctor removed his implants are during when we change his dressings on his wound and make him drink his medicines.
It takes us usually almost an hour in removing the tapes, bandages and putting on new ones. We usually take this long so as not to aggravate his wound. Not to mention the constant cries and pleas on not to touch his wound and not change the bandage entirely.
The medication time is also a bit of a challenge. Our son needs to drink a lot of medicines for his operation. Antibiotics, pain reliever and vitamins. Not to mention the taste of these medicines, it usually makes my wife and I creative in trying to convince him drink these. Well as long as our son will fully recover after two operations on his hip dysplasia, we'll take any hardships that will come our way.
Monday, August 17, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA:Post operation
Wheew! The first day after our son's hip dysplasia operation, our son gave us a scare when he stood up and started to walk, limping. What was supposed to be a 3 day rest before he can start to walk turned out to be half day only. As what he always tell us, he really is a strong boy!
He was just lying down, resting and watching Cartoons on TV in our room. Then he started to turn his body, crawled and went out of the room and was all smiles when we saw him get out of the room. After a while, he was going to the kitchen, bathroom and the dining area. Maybe he was so bored already with his activity and routine, the next thing we saw was him standing up and started walking towards me and my wife. What a sight! We were excited but at the same time scared because his wound is still fresh and the fact that the bone on his left leg still has holes in it does make it even more scarier.
But beyond the fear, we were happy that our son's hip dysplasia was truly successful. We were also proud of our son, not afraid of pushing himself. We can say that maybe 2 weeks of recovery will be too long already.
He was just lying down, resting and watching Cartoons on TV in our room. Then he started to turn his body, crawled and went out of the room and was all smiles when we saw him get out of the room. After a while, he was going to the kitchen, bathroom and the dining area. Maybe he was so bored already with his activity and routine, the next thing we saw was him standing up and started walking towards me and my wife. What a sight! We were excited but at the same time scared because his wound is still fresh and the fact that the bone on his left leg still has holes in it does make it even more scarier.
But beyond the fear, we were happy that our son's hip dysplasia was truly successful. We were also proud of our son, not afraid of pushing himself. We can say that maybe 2 weeks of recovery will be too long already.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Types of Hip Dysplasia
CONGENITAL HIP DISLOCATION (CHD)
- Malformation of hip joint that can be detected exactly after birth;
- Different features such as different length of legs and their asymmetry, uneven thigh fat folds and degraded mobility on the side which was affected;
- Runs in families, and affects more women than men as what clinical studies showed;
- Also there’s a large chance for a baby to have CHD in cases of breech position births;
- First born children are more likely to have CHD than second and third ones;
- Thorough examinations should be administered on the 2nd day of life of the baby to detect CHD.
4 TYPES OF CHD:
a.) Congenital hip dislocation - hip is already dislocated at birth.
b.) Congenital dislocatable hip - hip is in the correct place at birth, but it can dislocate completely under any kind of stress.
c.) Congenital subluxatable hip - hip can dislocate only partially under stress.
d.) Acetabular dysplasia - a situation where acetabulum (the deep cavity into which the head of the thighbone, or femur, is fitted )is shallow and causes hip instability
TYPES OF TESTS FOR DETECTION OF CHD:
1. Barlow and Orlani Test - the main principle used in both methods is moving infant’s hips in order to determine whether femoral head is able to move in and out of the hip joint. It is also effective in the newborn stage;
2. Ultrasonographic detection - diagnostic method using combinations of x-rays and computer technology. This method is effective at examination of any part of body not only hips;
3. Ultrasound Examination
4. X-ray
Prognosis of CHD if not treated shortly after birth will have the baby grow with a limp or waddling gait. Unless surgery is done a child might have difficulties in walking and experience a lot of pain.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP (DDH)
- a modern medical term used for hip dysplasia showing that in some cases infants having normally developed hips develop hip dysplasia during the first months of life;
- Usually it happens not later than during the first year of life.
- In order to prevent the development of the disease it’s necessary to hold an examination of a newborn baby. In cases if no signs of the disease were found during the first examination, other examination when an infant is one, two, four, six, nine and 12 months old are also required. If during this examinations limited abduction is detected, it could be a trustworthy sign of DHD.
TYPES OF TESTS FOR DETECTION OF DHD:
1. Arthrography of the hip - Arthrograpy is a procedure involving multiple x rays of a joint using a fluoroscope, or a special piece of x-ray equipment which shows an immediate x-ray image. A contrast medium (in this case, a contrast iodine solution) injected into the joint area helps highlight structures of the joint. However this type of examination is not advised to use in newborn babies.
2. Radiography – The technique of producing a photographic image of an opaque specimen by the penetration of radiation such as gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, or charged particles. When a beam of radiation is transmitted through any heterogeneous object, it is differentially absorbed, depending upon the varying thickness, density, and chemical composition of this object. It is also a term applied to a nondestructive film technique of testing the gross internal structure of any object, whether it be of the chest of a patient for evidence of tuberculosis, silicosis, heart pathology, or embedded foreign objects; of bones in case of fractures or of arthritis or other bone diseases.
However it is not effective when used in children younger than four months, because it cannot show the full picture yet
3. Ultrasonography - diagnostic imaging in which ultrasound is used to image an internal body structure or a developing fetus. It is effective in small infants, and is able to show different abnormal findings if they are present. It is usually used if physical examination detected some sort of abnormalities and in high-risk newborns.
Factors that influence the development of DHD are the same with CHD. They are family tendency, breech presentations and some orthopedic problems, such as clubfoot deformity and other congenital conditions and diseases. Obvious symptoms are infant’s legs of different length, uneven thigh folds and wider space between legs in comparison with normal children.
Developmental hip dislocation may result in even more complicated problems ending up in the development of osteoarthritis. Health problems caused by DHD are knee pain, back pain, abnormal gait and limping.
- Malformation of hip joint that can be detected exactly after birth;
- Different features such as different length of legs and their asymmetry, uneven thigh fat folds and degraded mobility on the side which was affected;
- Runs in families, and affects more women than men as what clinical studies showed;
- Also there’s a large chance for a baby to have CHD in cases of breech position births;
- First born children are more likely to have CHD than second and third ones;
- Thorough examinations should be administered on the 2nd day of life of the baby to detect CHD.
4 TYPES OF CHD:
a.) Congenital hip dislocation - hip is already dislocated at birth.
b.) Congenital dislocatable hip - hip is in the correct place at birth, but it can dislocate completely under any kind of stress.
c.) Congenital subluxatable hip - hip can dislocate only partially under stress.
d.) Acetabular dysplasia - a situation where acetabulum (the deep cavity into which the head of the thighbone, or femur, is fitted )is shallow and causes hip instability
TYPES OF TESTS FOR DETECTION OF CHD:
1. Barlow and Orlani Test - the main principle used in both methods is moving infant’s hips in order to determine whether femoral head is able to move in and out of the hip joint. It is also effective in the newborn stage;
2. Ultrasonographic detection - diagnostic method using combinations of x-rays and computer technology. This method is effective at examination of any part of body not only hips;
3. Ultrasound Examination
4. X-ray
Prognosis of CHD if not treated shortly after birth will have the baby grow with a limp or waddling gait. Unless surgery is done a child might have difficulties in walking and experience a lot of pain.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP (DDH)
- a modern medical term used for hip dysplasia showing that in some cases infants having normally developed hips develop hip dysplasia during the first months of life;
- Usually it happens not later than during the first year of life.
- In order to prevent the development of the disease it’s necessary to hold an examination of a newborn baby. In cases if no signs of the disease were found during the first examination, other examination when an infant is one, two, four, six, nine and 12 months old are also required. If during this examinations limited abduction is detected, it could be a trustworthy sign of DHD.
TYPES OF TESTS FOR DETECTION OF DHD:
1. Arthrography of the hip - Arthrograpy is a procedure involving multiple x rays of a joint using a fluoroscope, or a special piece of x-ray equipment which shows an immediate x-ray image. A contrast medium (in this case, a contrast iodine solution) injected into the joint area helps highlight structures of the joint. However this type of examination is not advised to use in newborn babies.
2. Radiography – The technique of producing a photographic image of an opaque specimen by the penetration of radiation such as gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, or charged particles. When a beam of radiation is transmitted through any heterogeneous object, it is differentially absorbed, depending upon the varying thickness, density, and chemical composition of this object. It is also a term applied to a nondestructive film technique of testing the gross internal structure of any object, whether it be of the chest of a patient for evidence of tuberculosis, silicosis, heart pathology, or embedded foreign objects; of bones in case of fractures or of arthritis or other bone diseases.
However it is not effective when used in children younger than four months, because it cannot show the full picture yet
3. Ultrasonography - diagnostic imaging in which ultrasound is used to image an internal body structure or a developing fetus. It is effective in small infants, and is able to show different abnormal findings if they are present. It is usually used if physical examination detected some sort of abnormalities and in high-risk newborns.
Factors that influence the development of DHD are the same with CHD. They are family tendency, breech presentations and some orthopedic problems, such as clubfoot deformity and other congenital conditions and diseases. Obvious symptoms are infant’s legs of different length, uneven thigh folds and wider space between legs in comparison with normal children.
Developmental hip dislocation may result in even more complicated problems ending up in the development of osteoarthritis. Health problems caused by DHD are knee pain, back pain, abnormal gait and limping.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
HOME SWEET HOME!
The orthopedic doctor of our son visited us the following morning after the operation. We were surprised and happy to hear that our son was allowed to go home already. We thought that they were going to require us to stay for another day but upon hearing the news, we hurriedly pack our things, settled the bill and went home immediately. Our son was getting bored of just lying down on our room and was constantly telling us that he wanted to go home and stay in his room.
He was all smiles when we arrived. He was happy to see his cousins and the kids from our neighbors. We hurriedly went inside our room, played his favorite Spongebob Square Pants cd. 2 weeks of no jumping and running so we'll stay in the room and limit the visit of other kids so he will not feel the urge to play, run and jump. The problem that we'll encounter definitely is when we clean his wounds. Upon leaving the hospital, the assigned nurse changed the bandage on his wound and he was crying because of the pain. But we survived the 2 months on his first operation,we definitely like 2 week recovery better.
He was all smiles when we arrived. He was happy to see his cousins and the kids from our neighbors. We hurriedly went inside our room, played his favorite Spongebob Square Pants cd. 2 weeks of no jumping and running so we'll stay in the room and limit the visit of other kids so he will not feel the urge to play, run and jump. The problem that we'll encounter definitely is when we clean his wounds. Upon leaving the hospital, the assigned nurse changed the bandage on his wound and he was crying because of the pain. But we survived the 2 months on his first operation,we definitely like 2 week recovery better.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
FINALLY!!!
Finally! After 15 days of constant delays, rescheduling and suspense, our son was able to undergo the final stage on his hip dysplasia, the removal of implants. We had to let our son drink milk at 4 in the morning, as the schedule of his operation was 10 a.m. Fortunately he finished it all, thus giving us lesser worries with him asking milk or food later in the morning.
He was unusually up early also but low on energy. We thought that maybe the operation was sinking in on him and we can see that he was a bit afraid already. As for me and my wife, our fear for him could not have been worse. Although the 1st operation was more serious, we can't help of not feeling helpless again, and afraid if there will be complications.
We were ready 2 hours prior to his schedule. An hour later, we let him use the nebulizer, as per advice of his pediatrician so as to make his lungs clear prior to the operation. After an hour we were on our way to the operating room where the nurses and the anesthesiologist (he was early this time for goodness sakes!) were waiting for us already. Soon we said our prayers and after our son was put to sleep, we waited in our room.
Almost 2 hours later, we received a call that the operation was done and that our son was waiting in the recovery room already. Our son was crying but still groggy from the effects of the anesthesia when we arrived. We knew he was in pain, with him wanting to touch his left leg where the implants were removed. The nurses handed to us his hip dysplasia implants and we were shocked to see how long the screws were. No wonder why it has been bothering him already. An hour later we were back to our room.
Everything went well on our stay in the hospital except when the painkillers given to our son subsides. He was eating well and importantly our son was in a good mood and playful. Occasionally, he looks at his leg and will tell us how brave and strong he is. We can't help but be proud of him and praise him for his courage and be thankful for our families and friends who supported us in our son's journey.
Now that his ordeal is almost done, the only problem will be the time when we're going to treat his wound and that he will not be allowed to run or jump for two weeks. With the energy he has at his age, that will be a problem. But for us, it's a positive problem, knowing that his journey to get rid of his hip dysplasia is almost complete.
He was unusually up early also but low on energy. We thought that maybe the operation was sinking in on him and we can see that he was a bit afraid already. As for me and my wife, our fear for him could not have been worse. Although the 1st operation was more serious, we can't help of not feeling helpless again, and afraid if there will be complications.
We were ready 2 hours prior to his schedule. An hour later, we let him use the nebulizer, as per advice of his pediatrician so as to make his lungs clear prior to the operation. After an hour we were on our way to the operating room where the nurses and the anesthesiologist (he was early this time for goodness sakes!) were waiting for us already. Soon we said our prayers and after our son was put to sleep, we waited in our room.
Almost 2 hours later, we received a call that the operation was done and that our son was waiting in the recovery room already. Our son was crying but still groggy from the effects of the anesthesia when we arrived. We knew he was in pain, with him wanting to touch his left leg where the implants were removed. The nurses handed to us his hip dysplasia implants and we were shocked to see how long the screws were. No wonder why it has been bothering him already. An hour later we were back to our room.
Everything went well on our stay in the hospital except when the painkillers given to our son subsides. He was eating well and importantly our son was in a good mood and playful. Occasionally, he looks at his leg and will tell us how brave and strong he is. We can't help but be proud of him and praise him for his courage and be thankful for our families and friends who supported us in our son's journey.
Now that his ordeal is almost done, the only problem will be the time when we're going to treat his wound and that he will not be allowed to run or jump for two weeks. With the energy he has at his age, that will be a problem. But for us, it's a positive problem, knowing that his journey to get rid of his hip dysplasia is almost complete.
Great ! More Barney!
The nurse assigned to us informed us of the change in schedule for our son’s hip dysplasia, two hours before his scheduled operation! From 1pm, we were told that it will be moved between 3-5pm as the anesthesiologist had a prior commitment and will not be done prior to our schedule. They should have told us earlier as we were waiting for hours already, not to mention our son’s constant cries for food and milk as he was not allowed to eat or drink anything since seven in the morning. To make matters worse, we were told that it will be moved the following day so we can follow the required schedule of 6 hours. Talk about delays!
As we were fuming in our room caused by the delay, we looked on the bright side of things. There will be more time to watch his favorite videos - Barney, SpongeBob Square Pants and Dora the explorer. Importantly, we’ll be able to spend more time with our son and discuss with him regarding his hip dysplasia and the reason why we’re in the hospital. We were in a good mood after that. Our son? He had a better one after knowing that he will be able to eat and drink his milk already.
As we were fuming in our room caused by the delay, we looked on the bright side of things. There will be more time to watch his favorite videos - Barney, SpongeBob Square Pants and Dora the explorer. Importantly, we’ll be able to spend more time with our son and discuss with him regarding his hip dysplasia and the reason why we’re in the hospital. We were in a good mood after that. Our son? He had a better one after knowing that he will be able to eat and drink his milk already.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA: Final Day!!!
My wife and I woke up a little bit late this morning, tired from all the preparation for the final operation of our son's hip dysplasia. It was in the same time last year that our son had to wear a spica cast for his 2 months of recovery period from the operation on his hip dysplasia. Today, as we wait for the final hour of his operation, we had to prepare ourselves of his ordeal in undergoing the operation again. But this time, it will be a different one. An operation to finally get rid of the hip dysplasia that takes its toll on our emotions, feeling helpless and sorry for our son, that at such a young age, he had to go through this already. But looking on the bright side, he will be free from early arthritis, scoliosis and other symptoms that he will get if his hip dysplasia will not be corrected.
We began the morning by having our son eat his breakfast. After that we let him drank his milk so as to make him full. Prior to the operation of his hip dysplasia, removal of spica cast and metal plate with screws and other operations for that matter, a patient is required not to eat 6 hours prior to an operation. We then had him took a bath, forced him to make poop, and waited for his pediatrician to arrive to check him for the last time. An hour later, the nurses arrived to put the dextrose already and we had our son believed again that he is brave and strong boy too! And strong he was! We had to wrap him using a blanket and almost everyone held him on his legs, body and arms to put the dextrose. This time, he was crying already and wanted to move. When it was over, he marveled at the cast on his right hand with the dextrose on it. After that it was Barney, Dora and Spongebob time again.
We're now waiting for the next two hours to pass for his scheduled operation. As we wait, we're trying to ignore his constant pleas for milk, food or even water. It reminds us of how difficult it is to be parents but at the same time, how lucky we are to have a kid who is brave enough to go through this ordeal.
We began the morning by having our son eat his breakfast. After that we let him drank his milk so as to make him full. Prior to the operation of his hip dysplasia, removal of spica cast and metal plate with screws and other operations for that matter, a patient is required not to eat 6 hours prior to an operation. We then had him took a bath, forced him to make poop, and waited for his pediatrician to arrive to check him for the last time. An hour later, the nurses arrived to put the dextrose already and we had our son believed again that he is brave and strong boy too! And strong he was! We had to wrap him using a blanket and almost everyone held him on his legs, body and arms to put the dextrose. This time, he was crying already and wanted to move. When it was over, he marveled at the cast on his right hand with the dextrose on it. After that it was Barney, Dora and Spongebob time again.
We're now waiting for the next two hours to pass for his scheduled operation. As we wait, we're trying to ignore his constant pleas for milk, food or even water. It reminds us of how difficult it is to be parents but at the same time, how lucky we are to have a kid who is brave enough to go through this ordeal.
Friday, August 7, 2009
HIP DYSPLASIA no more!!!
As the final operation of Sam's Hip Dysplasia nears, we can't help but to give in to our son's wants at this stage. Playing computer, riding his bike, playing their version of cops and robbers and of course we went to the nearby mall a couple of times already. These past few days, as his request of us going to the nearby carnival, we were able to visit and took a few rides in the carousel, shooting and the duck ride thing.
We can't trade the joy of seeing our son so happy and excited of trying the different rides. As we were holding him and his little brother Miguel, my wife and I can't fully grasp that tomorrow, August10, 2009, we will be going through the process of the operation once again. But this time, this operation will finally get rid of our son's hip dysplasia. Compared to last year, instead of 2 months wearing the spica cast this time our son will not wear any, just no running and no jumping. It seems impossible to control him, but we like it better than watching our son be bed ridden for 2 months.
Exactly a year ago, we were preparing all the things that we needed to bring on the hospital. DVD Player and CD's, Barney Stuffed Toys, Sugus Candies, etc. This time, we're a bit relaxed now as we already know what to expect and have prepared ourselves for sleepless nights and constant cries in the wee hours of the morning. More importantly, we have conditioned our son this past few months why he have to through this again. And his replies would be that its okay as long as there will be no injections and that he will grow big and that he is a brave boy. He is!
We can't trade the joy of seeing our son so happy and excited of trying the different rides. As we were holding him and his little brother Miguel, my wife and I can't fully grasp that tomorrow, August10, 2009, we will be going through the process of the operation once again. But this time, this operation will finally get rid of our son's hip dysplasia. Compared to last year, instead of 2 months wearing the spica cast this time our son will not wear any, just no running and no jumping. It seems impossible to control him, but we like it better than watching our son be bed ridden for 2 months.
Exactly a year ago, we were preparing all the things that we needed to bring on the hospital. DVD Player and CD's, Barney Stuffed Toys, Sugus Candies, etc. This time, we're a bit relaxed now as we already know what to expect and have prepared ourselves for sleepless nights and constant cries in the wee hours of the morning. More importantly, we have conditioned our son this past few months why he have to through this again. And his replies would be that its okay as long as there will be no injections and that he will grow big and that he is a brave boy. He is!
Monday, August 3, 2009
What to do before and after knowing your child has a hip dysplasia?
For every 1000 children born, 1 child will have a hip dysplasia. Since it is common to 1st born girls, in our case, (our 1st born was a boy) measures should be considered in dealing with hip dysplasia.
1. Upon birth, aside from the standard newborn screening, an ultrasound should be
administered on a child's hips to check if there's a dysplasia, it's called a hip
joint exam screening.
2. Parents should request the doctor or nurses to check "manually" by rotating the
legs or bending them and even leveling the feet if they are of the same length.
Often times it can be detected by a "click" or more precisely a "clunk" in the
hip.
3. Should the child have a dysplasia of the hip, a cast is required to help the
femural head (the ball portion at the end of the leg)be put back in the
acetabulum
(the socket on the hip). Children who are found to have dysplasia in less than 3-6
months are made to wear a Pavlik Harness, or sometimes a spica cast, particularly
following surgical closed reduction.
4. Children more than 6 months often needs to be treated surgically. If not treated,
as early as 7 years old, they will have early arthritis and scoliosis.
1. Upon birth, aside from the standard newborn screening, an ultrasound should be
administered on a child's hips to check if there's a dysplasia, it's called a hip
joint exam screening.
2. Parents should request the doctor or nurses to check "manually" by rotating the
legs or bending them and even leveling the feet if they are of the same length.
Often times it can be detected by a "click" or more precisely a "clunk" in the
hip.
3. Should the child have a dysplasia of the hip, a cast is required to help the
femural head (the ball portion at the end of the leg)be put back in the
acetabulum
(the socket on the hip). Children who are found to have dysplasia in less than 3-6
months are made to wear a Pavlik Harness, or sometimes a spica cast, particularly
following surgical closed reduction.
4. Children more than 6 months often needs to be treated surgically. If not treated,
as early as 7 years old, they will have early arthritis and scoliosis.
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