Okay, Taking a Deeeeeep Breath

[Guest guest]

My daughter had her post surgical ATTT casts removed today. Let me correct and

say that one foot (VERY atypical) had the ATTT, the other just tenotomy.

Anyway, when the surgery was done the ortho told me we'd have four weeks of

casting and then we'd be fitted for an AFO to be worn during the day for six

months while still wearing the shoes at night. We began our ever more

determined quiet battle against the AFO's knowing they weren't necessary. Last

week it all came to a head when the Dr. discovered I didn't arrange for the

orthodics company to meet us at the office for a fitting as the casts were

removed. I shared that Dr. P says they are not necessary and we had no interest

in them and I heard nothing more. I was prepared for some discussion today. I

was in for several surprises.

When we arrived they cut off her casts and boy does her ATTT foot look fabulous.

I cried. LOL Anyway, he then asked if we had the shoes at home, which of

course we do, and he told me to use them 23/7 for awhile. At least 6 weeks

until we see him for a follow up and then we'll see about taking them down some

from there. Uhhhhh.... what??? No new cast. Nothing. Just take her home and

use the shoes 23/7. I think I was in too big a shock to cope on the fly. I

should have asked more questions beyond " no more casts? I thought we'd have two

more weeks? " so I'm in the dark. But not one work about AFO's. Not a one for

which I was thankful. HELP!

Understand that I really do respect our surgeon. He's good. He's been trained

by Dr. P and has consulted with him about our daughter several times. And her

foot looks great! And he did say early on that not all patients need a six week

cast regime. So I'm having a hard time trying not to think that he would have

put the two week cast on while the AFO's were getting made but since we didn't

do them he's not casting her. Instead he expects a two year old to wear the

shoes 23/7 when he knows she does nothing else but walk constantly while awake.

He's just not a 'vindictive' type but I feel like we were left hanging. KWIM?

Any thoughts? What really is the normal post ATTT protocol. Does everyone do

it the same as Iowa or are there Dr's who do it this way, too? What can you

tell me?

Chris

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek

out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the

hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers

through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that

you'll never walk alone.

-- Audrey Hepburn

[Guest guest]

Hi Chris-

Dr. Dietz told me that normal protocol for ATTT surgery is to have a full leg

cast, bent 90 degrees at the knee, for 6 wks following surgery. After that,

nothing more is needed, not even the shoes. Jake did have a second walking cast

(just on the lower leg) after his second surgery as extra insurance to keep his

foot in good alignment and make sure the tendon was totally healed before going

cast-less, but like I said that's not typical.

Dr. Dietz is at the University of Iowa so I don't know what other doctors in

other places do.

I also don't know your daughter's particular situation to know if the shoes/bar

are appropriate for her.

Good luck,

Kassia

3/22/01 (Lt clubfoot, ATTT #2 Oct 2005)

and 11/22/02