Check Up

Our last appointment we had was last week Friday. Another busy buzzing clinic! We got there 2 minutes late from our 10:00 oclock appointment to find out that it would be a long wait since Dr. Alvaraz was in the OR doing surgery. There were alot of annoyed families that came from far trying to patiently wait. We were bumped to the very last. Two hours later we finally went in to see the Dr. and give us a run down on what to do next and how Joelles AFO was fitting. I was having troubles the last week to keep her heel fitting properly in her AFO. I called Shannon to see what I could do to make it fit right. So we did some massaging on her foot and calf muscle before we put it on trying to get the muscles to relax and get her heel all the way back in her foot brace. We are slowly getting better at it. Shannon made an extra foam support to fit into her brace to help the heel stay down. The first few weeks they assured me are the toughest trying to get it to fit right, once the muscles get used to be stretched that way they have told me it gets easier to put on. Phew! I threw her AFO a few times so frustrated and fighting to get it on her. Some tears were shed and some chocolate was needed! Hopefully it will get easier....
Our next visit she'll need an x-ray again and an ultrasound on her hips.

As far as Joelle's hip brace (rhino cruiser)...well initially they told us 6 weeks, which was up...now it'll be till Sept-our next visit. This was crappy news for me. Its hot and annoying to hold her with it on but the Dr. said if we don't have it on consistently and for longer she'll need surgery. So... that was our ultimatum. Bummer yes, for the best: definitely. I have to find her more pants since she can't have bare legs wearing it in case of rashes and such. Time to put a few more air conditioners in the house for her.

A few people have asked me how the hip brace helps so I thought I'd add this bit of info :)

What is a Rhino Cruiser?

A Rhino Cruiser is a rigid brace. It is another way to non surgically treat Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). The brace is made of plastic and foam and is fit to hold the hip joint in the correct position. It keeps the legs out to the sides (in abduction) and allows the knees to bend freely. In this position the hip sockets can be encouraged to develop properly. The Rhino Cruiser is used for hips that are shallow. It is worn to avoid hip pain, arthritis, early hip replacement/reconstruction.

Joelle's foot prints. Her 2 toes are joined and make a little heart.

In the Rhino Cruiser.

A simple example of Joelle's hips. She is loose/shallow.

Getting tired of waiting so patiently.