shoes

[Guest guest]

Hi!

My husband and I just joined the group over the weekend, as we are

in desperate need of some support. Our son is 3 months old, has

unilateral clubfoot, and has had the standard DBB with the white

Markell shoes for a week now. We have already been to see our ortho

Dr. once, spoken to him by phone several times, and have conversed

with Dr. Ponseti via e-mail twice.....all in the last week. Our

lives have been a nightmare since our son got his brace. He screams

and cries constantly and will not sleep. I have read other messages

that have been posted about hanging in there through the adjustment

period that most babies experience with the brace, but I feel like

our son is apparently having a MUCH more difficult time with this

adjustment than most babies must. His crying and literal screaming

does not seem to let up until we take his brace off. He wants to be

held and walked with CONSTANTLY while his brace is on, which is

exhausting. We have no relief, and it does not seem to be getting

any better. If he were going to adjust to this brace, I would

expect his crying and screaming to get a little better, but it

hasn't. I have cried for over a week now and I feel horrible for my

baby...it's like we're torturing him.

After speaking with Dr. Ponseti, we have ordered the shoes,

which he is confident will make our baby more comfortable. I'm

praying like crazy that will be true. My question is, has anyone

else had an adjustment period that has seemed to be much more

difficult than the norm? Also, has anyone had a child switch from

the Markell to the brace? Was there an improvement?

Sorry for such a long post, but we are so grateful for any

reassurance and support that may be offered.

Thank you,

Lindsey