Re: We had our tenotomy today!!

[Guest guest]

Whooho! How great is it that she slept through the second one? Very cool!

As far as stretching... well Dr. Ponseti clearly states (in the

literature as well as numerous personal emails to parents who have

shared here) that stretching is not necessary and all that is needed

is weight bearing and walking (from the time of pulling up to stand)

to exercise the feet. Dr. Dobbs however, clearly states on his

website that he is modifying the method by adding stretches that the

parents are supposed to do. It is not considered the kind of

modification that matters, it surely can't hurt as long as they're

done properly although if done improperly it could actually harm the

foot (rocker bottom being the damage that has happened in such cases).

If you would like to do stretches, there is a copy of Dr. Dobbs

pamphlet outlining the proper way to do it in the files section

here. There are parents who are happy to do the stretches and do

so. Most of us however are not doing them and all is just

fine. Personally, I do not do them and never have. I see no reason

to. If Dr. Ponseti says it's unnecessary I'm inclined to believe

him. If anyone would know if it's needed, it'd be Dr. Ponseti and I

prefer to stick to the pure Ponseti Method as much as I can (plus I'm lazy).

But it's up to you really. If you follow the instructions Dr. Dobbs

has outlined you should feel comfortable that you will not be doing

harm. If you don't want to do stretches... don't. It's ok.

My daughter really enjoyed banging her brace on the floor in her

doorway jumper:~} She walked at 10.5mo's while wearing the FAB

16hr/d. In fact, she did everything early except talk! Well before

either of her normal footed brothers. Go figure...

I'm always amazed at how time flies with these little ones... seems

like just yesterday -J'nee got her first true Ponseti Cast! I

know... easier on this end than living it but still... it's so

amazing to see these feet become perfect in such a small amount of

time. Other than the presence of our beautiful children in our

lives... what on earth is more amazing than the Ponseti Method?

Just 3 more weeks... you have read the tips file haven't you? If

not, you have plenty of time :~} Just be sure you are familiar with

it before you go get her FAB so you can impress your

orthotist! (and bring them a copy to hand out to other parents if

you would please!)

Kori

At 03:58 PM 3/17/2006, you wrote:

>-J'nee is doing so well. In our office, the parents are asked

>to sit in the waiting room for the procedure. I heard her cry at

>first but I believe it was more from sleepiness and wanting to nurse

>herself to sleep (besides not having Mommy there to soothe her).

>But, one of the nurses came out to update us at every step. After

>the first incision, -J'nee went to sleep and slept through the

>second incision and all the casting. I'm so pleased. And, I can't

>wait to see her perfect feet and go to the next stage.

>

>Regarding the next stage, I have seen posts stating that some

>parents do stretching exercises when the feet are out of the

>braces. I would like to do this as well as sitting her in a walker

>or stationary playstation (when she is able to sit up, of course) so

>she can start bearing weight on her feet and legs. Good idea or not

>necessary? Or, do I just kind of let her develop at her own pace

>and wait until she decides she wants to use her legs?

>

>Thanks,

>

>-J'nee, bcf, born 01.07.06

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm glad for the progress and easy tenotomy today! My opinion on the next

phase is a lot of encouragment yet letting her develop on her own schedule if

that makes any sense. At first she'll be in the FAB so much using those other

toy-things will be a huge hassell...and consider too, those things didn't exist

when we were kids and we all managed to walk normally on time.

s.

We had our tenotomy today!!

-J'nee is doing so well. In our office, the parents are asked

to sit in the waiting room for the procedure. I heard her cry at

first but I believe it was more from sleepiness and wanting to nurse

herself to sleep (besides not having Mommy there to soothe her).

But, one of the nurses came out to update us at every step. After

the first incision, -J'nee went to sleep and slept through the

second incision and all the casting. I'm so pleased. And, I can't

wait to see her perfect feet and go to the next stage.

Regarding the next stage, I have seen posts stating that some

parents do stretching exercises when the feet are out of the

braces. I would like to do this as well as sitting her in a walker

or stationary playstation (when she is able to sit up, of course) so

she can start bearing weight on her feet and legs. Good idea or not

necessary? Or, do I just kind of let her develop at her own pace

and wait until she decides she wants to use her legs?

Thanks,

-J'nee, bcf, born 01.07.06