Hip Dysplasia Six Years On: Where we are at

It has been six years since Erin first underwent surgery for hip dysplasia . That seems like a lifetime ago now and I’d probably miss the date if it wasn’t for Facebook reminding me.  I no longer draw a sharp intake of breath everytime she falls over. I no longer feel that she is a long way behind her peers. Infact she doesn’t tend to fall much anymore anyway.  The first months and years after surgery I was still consumed with DDH but the pain is fading.

These days it lurks as a memory but there are still days when Erin complains of pain.  Just recently the aches and pains appeared but I no longer panic.  I know that the hypermobility syndrome also plays it’s part and that starting back at school in September always tires her joints out.

I didn’t believe the consultants when they told me that Erin would catch up with her friends, I smiled and nodded but my heart ached. I thought she was destined never to run but she proved me wrong.

If you have followed Erin’s story you will know just what a fiesty, confident, bright articlate little girl she is. Don’t forget to subscribe to her YouTube and blog  if you want to make her happy! Erin amazes me everyday and finally I feel the shadow of hip dysplasia surgery is further behind us.  Erin has achieved a distinction in both Ballet and Modern dance recently, she can turn out beautifully thanks to those flexible joints.

She is unlikely to win any running races as speed is not her forte but run she does.  Nothing stops her playing the games she wants and joining in with her friends in the park.

Xray’s are still yearly and we watch and wait.  Nothing has much changed in her prognosis, with the warning that she is likely to need more surgery in the future.  This is because she was failed, and her hip dysplasia was missed for almost the first two years of her life.  I do call it neglect and I still direct my anger that the systems and failings of others that led to her delayed diagnosis.

However, Erin is making great strides and right now we are happy.  You may have noticed that Erin has a new best friend.  Erin picked out Lilly the Cavachon back in July and she came to live with us at the end of August. Lilly has helped get Erin out walking more and is now very much part of the family.

When we are out walking Erin needs good supportative footwear that gives her the support she needs but also are weatherproof. With a seriously playful spirit and a boundless energy, KEEN’s latest junior footwear collection is made to inspire adventure and let little soles run wild this winter. They are just perfect Erin and Keen offered to send Erin a pair of her choosing.  She opted for the  Elsa WP Boot (RRP £60), which comes in three fabulous colours. A seriously fun yet functional play on the traditional rain boot, the Elsa features a seam sealed leather and synthetic upper for all dry comfort and protection in all winter weathers. Erin loved that the inside is fluffy which ensures that her little feet are sure to stay frost free, even in sub zero temperatures. The Elsa WP is available from children’s sizes EU 24 (with a toggle closure for an easy, independent fit), through to youth size EU 38. 

We went out to play in these at the weekend and apart from when at school she has barely taken them off.  Erin says that they are so warm and comfy but she can still play in them.  I only wish they did them in my size!

Whilst we are not out of the woods yet with hip dysplasia we think about it less. It does not dominate us in the way it once did.  Erin is living life as an almost 8 year old should.  She is more interested in having fun and seems to have caught up with her peers physically.  Many now say to us, that you would never know what she has been through.  So to any mums and dads on a ddh journey, believe that it does get better.  Believe that your little person will catch up despite the set backs that they have had in their early life.

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