Re: 3. 5 year old daughter with untreated bilateral clubfeet

[Guest guest]

Hi Craig & Joyce I'm my son Noah has a left club foot. I am in Iowa right

now getting my son treated by Dr Ponseti. I am also staying in the

Mc house. I dont know much about Dr. Dobbs but Dr. Ponseti is great he is

so wonderful and patient. I wouldnt think of ever taking him to anyone but him.

My sons foot looked completly straight after his second cast. We are on the

third one right now and will get the fourth on weds. and get to go home. We have

only been here since the 2nd and were already almost done. The casting is not

painful for my son but more annoying. He is just starting to move around and

roll so anything holding him down frustrates him and he cries. I think it could

be a little painful right after the cast is put on and for the first night but

after that he just cries out of frustration I think. He is doing fine now and

adapted to it, he rolls all around the room, in fact he rolled under the bed

yesterday and I about had a panic attack when I came out

of the bathroom and he was no where to be found. I'm sure with your daughter

being 3 1/2 things will be much different and probubly more frustrating for her

because she will have a hard time walking and getting around but there are lots

of things for children to do here and lots of kids to play with that may

distract her. I hope everything goes well with her I would definitly recommend

doctor Ponseti to anyone he is so great! The Mc house is wonderful,

everyone here is so nice and wonderful. They are so helpful and if you wont have

a car the bus system is very easy to use and one is free and the other is only

75 cents. Once you get here you can email me with any questions you have I will

be happy to answer them. Good luck and I hope everything goes well with your

little one!

& Noah 03/20/05 LCF

childrenloveall wrote:

Hi,

We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter that

is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet. Nothing

stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to over

the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the two

doctors?

Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with these

cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How is

it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

these children.

Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me for

the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in so

much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her, especially

the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to get

plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices are

a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

and information.

Sincerely,

Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi Craig and Joyce,

Not sure how much this helps but we are in the midst of casting with

our 18 month old daughter. She was never diagnosed, although we have

been aware that there were foot problems. She has done very well.

Despite her age, her foot has come around beautifully, we are on

cast four and are set to go to the last cast when our doctor gets

back from an out of town trip in a week. She has not had any pain

that we've been able to perceive. She has also gotten around

extremely well and been game for the castings. She didn't even

complain until her last cast went on and then it wasn't a big deal.

I can't say that it has been easy -but more because it breaks our

heart to see her in a cast when she wants to be up running (not to

mention a summer with no pool visits or even a run through the

sprinkler). She also has a twin and an older sister and wants to

keep up with them.

Good luck.

Liz

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

I would definatley go see Dr. Ponseti over Dr. Dobbs. Dr. Ponseti

has treated more cases of clubfoot the non-surgical way than any

other doctor. Congratulations on your daughter!

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group!

I can tell you first hand that Dr. Dobbs is a great physician, he has

a lot of experience with treating older children with clubfoot as

well. He has been really wonderful in treating my son. From your

location, I guess you will be traveling some distance to see either

doctor. I do think most people here will say that if you are going to

travel anyway, you may as well go to Iowa to Dr. Ponseti directly; he

is obviously the master and most people who know of him would not miss

the chance to have their child treated by him if it were needed. If

finances are of concern you may want to see Dr. Dobbs as he practices

at the Shriner's hospital here in St. Louis where all the care is free

for children, including the brace and shoes. Hope this is of some

help to you in making your decision.

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet. Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her, especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for the nice response to my letter. I appreciate what you

have to say and yes, we are going to fly out tomorrow morning to see

Dr. Ponseti on Wednesday. I'm so excited for this opportunity for

him to help our daughter, also named . I can't wait to meet

both him and his secretary, Joyce. She has been so helpful to us in

all our phone conversations. Do you have any suggestions for the

pain maintenance at all on cast change days? Take care and I hope

everything is going well for your son!

Sincerely,

Joyce

> > Hi,

> > We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> > is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> > China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so

funny!

> > She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> > stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> > Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> > the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the

two

> > docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> > doctors?

> > Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> > cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> > after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> > it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> > these children.

> > Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> > the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> > painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> > much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> > the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> > plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> > a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> > Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> > curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your

time

> > and information.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> > Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for the nice response to my letter. I appreciate what you

have to say and yes, we are going to fly out tomorrow morning to see

Dr. Ponseti on Wednesday. I'm so excited for this opportunity for

him to help our daughter, also named . I can't wait to meet

both him and his secretary, Joyce. She has been so helpful to us in

all our phone conversations. Do you have any suggestions for the

pain maintenance at all on cast change days? Take care and I hope

everything is going well for your son!

Sincerely,

Joyce

> > Hi,

> > We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> > is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> > China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so

funny!

> > She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> > stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> > Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> > the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the

two

> > docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> > doctors?

> > Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> > cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> > after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> > it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> > these children.

> > Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> > the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> > painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> > much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> > the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> > plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> > a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> > Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> > curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your

time

> > and information.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> > Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Dear Joyce,

I'm SO glad you are going to see Dr. Ponseti. There is absolutely no

better place for you to take your daughter. What an amazing story she

has.. and what a joy it must be for you to have her now in your

family. Congratulations.

It might be different for an older child, but we didn't experience

the castings, in Iowa at least, to be painful for our child (who was

about 6 months at the time). She was slightly fussy the day of a new

cast, but not markedly so. We always flew out directly after getting

each new cast. The casting process itself also didn't bother her. She

would look around mildly while Dr. Ponseti shaped the plaster. She

didn't cry at all. I hope it's as easy for your child. Tylenol or

something like it certainly seems like a reasonable idea. Of course

Dr. Ponseti can advise you.

Please keep us posted! We'll be so interested to hear what Dr.

Ponseti says and to hear your daughter's progress. I'm sure it's an

unusual case, to have a child of her age with her feet still

untreated. What a blessing it will be to see her running on corrected

feet..

Best wishes,

and Claire

> Hi ,

>

> Thank you for the nice response to my letter. I appreciate what

you

> have to say and yes, we are going to fly out tomorrow morning to

see

> Dr. Ponseti on Wednesday. I'm so excited for this opportunity for

> him to help our daughter, also named . I can't wait to meet

> both him and his secretary, Joyce. She has been so helpful to us

in

> all our phone conversations. Do you have any suggestions for the

> pain maintenance at all on cast change days? Take care and I hope

> everything is going well for your son!

>

> Sincerely,

> Joyce

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Joyce,

I'm SO glad you are going to see Dr. Ponseti. There is absolutely no

better place for you to take your daughter. What an amazing story she

has.. and what a joy it must be for you to have her now in your

family. Congratulations.

It might be different for an older child, but we didn't experience

the castings, in Iowa at least, to be painful for our child (who was

about 6 months at the time). She was slightly fussy the day of a new

cast, but not markedly so. We always flew out directly after getting

each new cast. The casting process itself also didn't bother her. She

would look around mildly while Dr. Ponseti shaped the plaster. She

didn't cry at all. I hope it's as easy for your child. Tylenol or

something like it certainly seems like a reasonable idea. Of course

Dr. Ponseti can advise you.

Please keep us posted! We'll be so interested to hear what Dr.

Ponseti says and to hear your daughter's progress. I'm sure it's an

unusual case, to have a child of her age with her feet still

untreated. What a blessing it will be to see her running on corrected

feet..

Best wishes,

and Claire

> Hi ,

>

> Thank you for the nice response to my letter. I appreciate what

you

> have to say and yes, we are going to fly out tomorrow morning to

see

> Dr. Ponseti on Wednesday. I'm so excited for this opportunity for

> him to help our daughter, also named . I can't wait to meet

> both him and his secretary, Joyce. She has been so helpful to us

in

> all our phone conversations. Do you have any suggestions for the

> pain maintenance at all on cast change days? Take care and I hope

> everything is going well for your son!

>

> Sincerely,

> Joyce

>

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

I'm glad I was able to help. We did not really need pain maintenance

during casting changes. I think we used Infant Tylenol one time after

casting seemed a little rough on him but overall he did really well

with the casting. He seemed to be bothered by the heat of the wet

plaster more than anything, he usually fell asleep as soon as the

actual plastering was through. He would sleep in the car on the 1 hr.

drive home and then be fine after that. We just used a little rolled

up blanket under his leg to help take some of the pressure off from

the weight of the cast. Hope this helps, and enjoy your stay in Iowa

and meeting Dr. Ponseti.

Best wishes,

> > > Hi,

> > > We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

> that

> > > is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> > > China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so

> funny!

> > > She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

> Nothing

> > > stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> > > Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

> over

> > > the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the

> two

> > > docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

> two

> > > doctors?

> > > Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

> these

> > > cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> > > after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

> is

> > > it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> > > these children.

> > > Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

> for

> > > the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> > > painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

> so

> > > much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

> especially

> > > the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

> get

> > > plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

> are

> > > a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> > > Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> > > curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your

> time

> > > and information.

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > > Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

I'm glad I was able to help. We did not really need pain maintenance

during casting changes. I think we used Infant Tylenol one time after

casting seemed a little rough on him but overall he did really well

with the casting. He seemed to be bothered by the heat of the wet

plaster more than anything, he usually fell asleep as soon as the

actual plastering was through. He would sleep in the car on the 1 hr.

drive home and then be fine after that. We just used a little rolled

up blanket under his leg to help take some of the pressure off from

the weight of the cast. Hope this helps, and enjoy your stay in Iowa

and meeting Dr. Ponseti.

Best wishes,

> > > Hi,

> > > We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

> that

> > > is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> > > China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so

> funny!

> > > She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

> Nothing

> > > stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> > > Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

> over

> > > the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the

> two

> > > docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

> two

> > > doctors?

> > > Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

> these

> > > cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> > > after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

> is

> > > it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> > > these children.

> > > Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

> for

> > > the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> > > painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

> so

> > > much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

> especially

> > > the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

> get

> > > plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

> are

> > > a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> > > Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> > > curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your

> time

> > > and information.

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > > Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

Idaho huh? What part? You are in Iowa right now it looks like so don't

know when you will see this, but it's good to have you here. We are in Malta.

That is a little blink ya miss it town just over the Utah border. Good luck

with the feetsies. Sounds like you are in good hands.

3. 5 year old daughter with untreated bilateral

clubfeet

Hi,

We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter that

is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet. Nothing

stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to over

the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the two

doctors?

Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with these

cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How is

it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

these children.

Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me for

the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in so

much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her, especially

the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to get

plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices are

a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

and information.

Sincerely,

Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

Idaho huh? What part? You are in Iowa right now it looks like so don't

know when you will see this, but it's good to have you here. We are in Malta.

That is a little blink ya miss it town just over the Utah border. Good luck

with the feetsies. Sounds like you are in good hands.

3. 5 year old daughter with untreated bilateral

clubfeet

Hi,

We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter that

is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet. Nothing

stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to over

the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the two

doctors?

Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with these

cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How is

it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

these children.

Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me for

the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in so

much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her, especially

the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to get

plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices are

a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

and information.

Sincerely,

Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Dear Craig and Joyce,

So wonderful what you are doing for your new daughter! I am just

writing in to cast my vote for Dr. Ponseti. Our son Dinos, now five

years old, was born with bilateral clubfoot and was treated first by

Dr. Feldman in NY and then by Dr. Ponseti. Dr. Feldman was

truly wonderful with Dinos' casting and tenotomy, and we would not

even have known about the Ponseti Method if not for him, but suffice

to say that we had some problems with Dinos staying in the shoes

and, since we'd already returned home to Greece when we realized we

might have to take Dinos back to the States for further treatment,

and since Dr. Feldman was about to go on vacation, we decided to

call Dr. Ponseti for advice. Like you, we found him totally

wonderful on the phone. We decided that, since it is the Ponseti

Method, why go to someone else when you can go to Dr. Ponseti? Our

decision was helped somewhat by the fact of Dr. Feldman's vacation,

as we didn't want to delay any further treatment. Anyway, I took

Dinos to Iowa to Dr. Ponseti and stayed there two weeks. I can't

tell you how absolutely wonderful Dr. Ponseti is. Of course, I have

read nice things on this site about other docs, but I must say that

we, and the other parents who've had the privilege of having Dr.

Ponseti treat their babies, just adore him. Being new to this site,

you may not know about the many ways parents have tried to show

their appreciation of Dr. Ponseti-- a banquet, a scrapbook of the

children, a quilt with photos of the children, poems written for

him, and a continuing effort to get him featured on television

programs and in magazine articles. We think he's the best, not only

because he pioneered the Method, but because he truly loves the

children, and he cares about the parents. I think you'll be

thrilled with what he can do for you, particularly as yours is a

special situation. As for the pain of the treatment, obviously none

of us can know exactly how the children feel, but I will tell you

that Dinos did not seem to have much pain after the first couple of

castings. The actual manipulation of the foot to get it into

position for the casting did seem to hurt, but once the foot was in

position and the cast was on, he generally seemed pretty happy. I

would go ahead and take your other child with you; as you said, he

can be a welcome distraction and playmate, and a help to you. And

don't forget that, while it may initially disturb him to see his

sister go through this, in the long run it will give him a better

understanding of her situation, and that can only be helpful. As

for the traveling, I left Iowa with Dinos to return to Greece only

one day after the final casting, and that was three flights over two

days. It was no problem. Your doctor will be able to advise you

better. I hope this info has been helpful, and I wish you all the

best. Pamela Karydas (mom to Dinos, BCF, June 2000)

nosurgery4clubfoot , " childrenloveall "

<childrenloveall@y...> wrote:

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Dear Craig and Joyce,

So wonderful what you are doing for your new daughter! I am just

writing in to cast my vote for Dr. Ponseti. Our son Dinos, now five

years old, was born with bilateral clubfoot and was treated first by

Dr. Feldman in NY and then by Dr. Ponseti. Dr. Feldman was

truly wonderful with Dinos' casting and tenotomy, and we would not

even have known about the Ponseti Method if not for him, but suffice

to say that we had some problems with Dinos staying in the shoes

and, since we'd already returned home to Greece when we realized we

might have to take Dinos back to the States for further treatment,

and since Dr. Feldman was about to go on vacation, we decided to

call Dr. Ponseti for advice. Like you, we found him totally

wonderful on the phone. We decided that, since it is the Ponseti

Method, why go to someone else when you can go to Dr. Ponseti? Our

decision was helped somewhat by the fact of Dr. Feldman's vacation,

as we didn't want to delay any further treatment. Anyway, I took

Dinos to Iowa to Dr. Ponseti and stayed there two weeks. I can't

tell you how absolutely wonderful Dr. Ponseti is. Of course, I have

read nice things on this site about other docs, but I must say that

we, and the other parents who've had the privilege of having Dr.

Ponseti treat their babies, just adore him. Being new to this site,

you may not know about the many ways parents have tried to show

their appreciation of Dr. Ponseti-- a banquet, a scrapbook of the

children, a quilt with photos of the children, poems written for

him, and a continuing effort to get him featured on television

programs and in magazine articles. We think he's the best, not only

because he pioneered the Method, but because he truly loves the

children, and he cares about the parents. I think you'll be

thrilled with what he can do for you, particularly as yours is a

special situation. As for the pain of the treatment, obviously none

of us can know exactly how the children feel, but I will tell you

that Dinos did not seem to have much pain after the first couple of

castings. The actual manipulation of the foot to get it into

position for the casting did seem to hurt, but once the foot was in

position and the cast was on, he generally seemed pretty happy. I

would go ahead and take your other child with you; as you said, he

can be a welcome distraction and playmate, and a help to you. And

don't forget that, while it may initially disturb him to see his

sister go through this, in the long run it will give him a better

understanding of her situation, and that can only be helpful. As

for the traveling, I left Iowa with Dinos to return to Greece only

one day after the final casting, and that was three flights over two

days. It was no problem. Your doctor will be able to advise you

better. I hope this info has been helpful, and I wish you all the

best. Pamela Karydas (mom to Dinos, BCF, June 2000)

nosurgery4clubfoot , " childrenloveall "

<childrenloveall@y...> wrote:

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Dear Craig and Joyce,

So wonderful what you are doing for your new daughter! I am just

writing in to cast my vote for Dr. Ponseti. Our son Dinos, now five

years old, was born with bilateral clubfoot and was treated first by

Dr. Feldman in NY and then by Dr. Ponseti. Dr. Feldman was

truly wonderful with Dinos' casting and tenotomy, and we would not

even have known about the Ponseti Method if not for him, but suffice

to say that we had some problems with Dinos staying in the shoes

and, since we'd already returned home to Greece when we realized we

might have to take Dinos back to the States for further treatment,

and since Dr. Feldman was about to go on vacation, we decided to

call Dr. Ponseti for advice. Like you, we found him totally

wonderful on the phone. We decided that, since it is the Ponseti

Method, why go to someone else when you can go to Dr. Ponseti? Our

decision was helped somewhat by the fact of Dr. Feldman's vacation,

as we didn't want to delay any further treatment. Anyway, I took

Dinos to Iowa to Dr. Ponseti and stayed there two weeks. I can't

tell you how absolutely wonderful Dr. Ponseti is. Of course, I have

read nice things on this site about other docs, but I must say that

we, and the other parents who've had the privilege of having Dr.

Ponseti treat their babies, just adore him. Being new to this site,

you may not know about the many ways parents have tried to show

their appreciation of Dr. Ponseti-- a banquet, a scrapbook of the

children, a quilt with photos of the children, poems written for

him, and a continuing effort to get him featured on television

programs and in magazine articles. We think he's the best, not only

because he pioneered the Method, but because he truly loves the

children, and he cares about the parents. I think you'll be

thrilled with what he can do for you, particularly as yours is a

special situation. As for the pain of the treatment, obviously none

of us can know exactly how the children feel, but I will tell you

that Dinos did not seem to have much pain after the first couple of

castings. The actual manipulation of the foot to get it into

position for the casting did seem to hurt, but once the foot was in

position and the cast was on, he generally seemed pretty happy. I

would go ahead and take your other child with you; as you said, he

can be a welcome distraction and playmate, and a help to you. And

don't forget that, while it may initially disturb him to see his

sister go through this, in the long run it will give him a better

understanding of her situation, and that can only be helpful. As

for the traveling, I left Iowa with Dinos to return to Greece only

one day after the final casting, and that was three flights over two

days. It was no problem. Your doctor will be able to advise you

better. I hope this info has been helpful, and I wish you all the

best. Pamela Karydas (mom to Dinos, BCF, June 2000)

nosurgery4clubfoot , " childrenloveall "

<childrenloveall@y...> wrote:

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce

[Guest guest]

Dear Craig and Joyce,

So wonderful what you are doing for your new daughter! I am just

writing in to cast my vote for Dr. Ponseti. Our son Dinos, now five

years old, was born with bilateral clubfoot and was treated first by

Dr. Feldman in NY and then by Dr. Ponseti. Dr. Feldman was

truly wonderful with Dinos' casting and tenotomy, and we would not

even have known about the Ponseti Method if not for him, but suffice

to say that we had some problems with Dinos staying in the shoes

and, since we'd already returned home to Greece when we realized we

might have to take Dinos back to the States for further treatment,

and since Dr. Feldman was about to go on vacation, we decided to

call Dr. Ponseti for advice. Like you, we found him totally

wonderful on the phone. We decided that, since it is the Ponseti

Method, why go to someone else when you can go to Dr. Ponseti? Our

decision was helped somewhat by the fact of Dr. Feldman's vacation,

as we didn't want to delay any further treatment. Anyway, I took

Dinos to Iowa to Dr. Ponseti and stayed there two weeks. I can't

tell you how absolutely wonderful Dr. Ponseti is. Of course, I have

read nice things on this site about other docs, but I must say that

we, and the other parents who've had the privilege of having Dr.

Ponseti treat their babies, just adore him. Being new to this site,

you may not know about the many ways parents have tried to show

their appreciation of Dr. Ponseti-- a banquet, a scrapbook of the

children, a quilt with photos of the children, poems written for

him, and a continuing effort to get him featured on television

programs and in magazine articles. We think he's the best, not only

because he pioneered the Method, but because he truly loves the

children, and he cares about the parents. I think you'll be

thrilled with what he can do for you, particularly as yours is a

special situation. As for the pain of the treatment, obviously none

of us can know exactly how the children feel, but I will tell you

that Dinos did not seem to have much pain after the first couple of

castings. The actual manipulation of the foot to get it into

position for the casting did seem to hurt, but once the foot was in

position and the cast was on, he generally seemed pretty happy. I

would go ahead and take your other child with you; as you said, he

can be a welcome distraction and playmate, and a help to you. And

don't forget that, while it may initially disturb him to see his

sister go through this, in the long run it will give him a better

understanding of her situation, and that can only be helpful. As

for the traveling, I left Iowa with Dinos to return to Greece only

one day after the final casting, and that was three flights over two

days. It was no problem. Your doctor will be able to advise you

better. I hope this info has been helpful, and I wish you all the

best. Pamela Karydas (mom to Dinos, BCF, June 2000)

nosurgery4clubfoot , " childrenloveall "

<childrenloveall@y...> wrote:

> Hi,

> We are Craig and Joyce from Idaho and we have a daughter

that

> is 3.5 years old. We brought her home within this last year from

> China and she has untreated bilateral clubfeet. She is so funny!

> She runs, jumps, climbs, etc. with those sweet little feet.

Nothing

> stops her. We have just recently gotten in contact with both Dr.

> Dobbs and Dr. Ponseti. Both doctors were incredible to talk to

over

> the phone. We are having a terrible time deciding between the two

> docs. Does anyone have any info they can share with us about the

two

> doctors?

> Also, we are very concerned about what's involved with

these

> cast changes. It sounds like they can be very painful. How long

> after a cast change before you would suggest traveling home? How

is

> it flying verses driving as far as comfort level goes for most of

> these children.

> Our son is 6 years old and I'm planning to take him with me

for

> the first couple of weeks, however, I read that it can be very

> painful so I don't know if I'd want my son seeing our daughter in

so

> much pain. I figured he'd be a good distraction for her,

especially

> the first few weeks when we are just starting. We are trying to

get

> plane tickets to go out there to start the casting and the prices

are

> a killer so we might drive it instead. Any suggestions?

> Has anyone stayed at the Mc house before? I'm

> curious what it is like for the children. Thank you for your time

> and information.

>

> Sincerely,

> Craig and Joyce