Getting kind of worried

[Guest guest]

As most of you may remember, Livie is still wearing her brace 16 hours a day at

3 years and 4 month old because she had a relapse. She relapsed because she was

removed from the brace altogether at 1.5 years old due to loose ligaments. She

was recasted at 2.5 years old. Dr. Ponseti was able to recorrect her foot, but

not to the degree that it was before. He seemed concerned after the cast that

she might eventually need to have the ATTT surgery. At our 6 month follow-up

after the cast, he was pleased with her correction and didn't mention again the

ATTT. We are scheduled to go back to see him in May.

Within the last few weeks I have noticed Livie pointing her foot in occasionally

when she is running or walking. It has only happened less than a handful of

times, but it still has got me worried. This is how her relapse started the

last time. She turned her foot in occasionally, most often when she was wearing

shoes.

I know that I should snap some pictures and send them off to Dr. P immediately,

but part of me thinks I'm overreacting to nothing. Last time I was sure there

was a problem and I was right, but this time I'm not so sure. Besides, when she

is just standing, it looks perfectly fine. I've checked her outward rotation

the way Dr. Ponseti showed me and also her dorsiflexion and she doesn't seem to

have lost anything, but I'm still worried.

I guess I'm just looking for a shoulder to cry on from somebody who understands.

Is there ever going to come a day when I don't have to worry about this child's

foot? Will I ever be able to watch her walk or run without analyzing every

single step? Ugh.

I've decided to keep a close eye on it in the next few weeks. If it continues

to happen or gets worse, I will call Dr. Ponseti.

Thanks for listening,

Jen & Livie (10-18-01 severe left clubfoot)