Walking with hip dysplasia
What a week, I feel like a cat on a hot tin roof. Monday was consultant day and I thought I knew what to expect, I thought I knew what treatment was being scheduled. I was wrong.
As I waited with Erin in the waiting room I looked at the other families and began to contemplate what journey we were about to start. My expectation was for the hip surgery and 12 weeks in a cast. I had already planned to take the first six weeks off work and had spoken to nursery about Erin continuing once we had got used to life in spica.
After Erin’s name was called and we entered the room it seemed like the world stopped spinning. The consultant had a quick feel of Erin’s hip – claimed it was very unusual in this age group but her hip is constantly dislocating (I am now wondering if the very unusual was a reference to the fact that so many times previously is has been missed). He clearly showed it to me popping and clunking, again I now can’t believe that other ‘health practitioners’ can have missed this. Then the major shock came as he announced that Erin needs 18 weeks in spica pre operation. This consists of three lots of six weeks, with a cast change and general anaesthetic every six weeks. Erin will then have surgery in about May time followed by more spica cast treatment.
I just left the room in shock, not really breathing and totally stunned by the news. By the time I got to our car the tears were streaming down my face as I began to consider the implications. My first thoughts were obviously for Erin, but I was already fast tracking and thinking about how I can maintain work and the implications on the rest of the family.
After looking at our options were soon realised we don’t really have any. I need to take the rest of the school year off. Its not fair to Erin, my students and myself to try and do it all. In fact I couldn’t I already feel overwhelmed. Thankfully school have been amazing and told me to take all the time I need. It’s going to be tough financially as we are losing a good salary. It places the burden even more on Lee and I need to adjust to a new way of spending – ie don’t! but its the right decision.
Before we start our spica journey I have vlogged how Erin walks now, so that I can share her progress with everyone.
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Comments (6)
Inside the Wendy House
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It’s going to be quite a journey for you all. Bless her little heart. Love & hugs to you Emma xxx
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Emma
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Thanks, it will be but I know we have great support network both on the internet and in real life too. x
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The Mad House
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Oh Emma, what a shock that must have been. I think you have made the only decision you could have and hope you get lots of support
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Emma
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Thanks – it was so unexpected, I thought Id looked up all the possible sceanarios and treatments on the internet! But that one got me!
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Jacq
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Oh she’s so sweet! I had a friend whose little girl had to go through this and she’s a big girl now and as right as rain
It’s going to be hard for you I’m sure, but will all be worth it.
Keep us updated with her progress
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Emma
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Thanks Jacq, my emotions are up and down but will definately be telling her story here. x
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