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Oh Jane, Googling is bad for you

I was incorrectly diagnosed with clicking hips at a month old and had a brace put on, Didnt have clicking hips only 2 fractred femurs.
Good news is that clicking hips does not hurt, She should be in no pain, was this detected with hip test?

Hi Janey

I'm so sorry you have this worry, I know someone who has been through it with their DD and have just PMed them to ask them to have a look at your thread.

We have had similar concerns about baby bubble because she doesn't take her weight on her feet and has asymetrical creases on her legs - both signs of possible hip dysplasia. The GP has ruled it out for her but that wasn't before I had also googled within an inch of my life. There is a really good organisation called Steps http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/ which gave me brilliant advice. I'd really recommend getting in touch with them if you haven't already done so.

The good thing is that if there is a problem, they've caught it early with Isla. I know how scared you must be at the moment but you will cope.



x

Hi Jane,

I can imagine how scary all this must be for you.

As Bubble says, if there is a problem, it is good that they have caught it early. Management and treatment of hip conditions can depend upon different factors, including the degree of hip dislocation, and the age of the child.
When you have the scan with the consultant next week, hopefully you will get some answers, and if needed, a plan of what will happen next, and an oppportunity to ask questions.
If Isla does need treatment, it may well be worth contacting the occupational therapy department at the hospital. They may be able to help with practical issues, such as buggies/car seats etc.

STEPS is a fab organisation, again as Bubble says! It may well be worth contacing them. Also, I'm wandering if the NCT, or La Leche league may have breastfeeding counsellors, who may be able to offer help/support/advice, re feeding?

I know next week must seem like ages away, I hope the time doesn't pass too slowly for you. It sounds like Isla is being well looked after, which is really good.

xxx

Evening! Firstly, google is an evil thing when you're worried about something - step away if you can lovely.

My DD2 had asymetrical creases and a clicky hip. But eventually we were told nothing to worry about and she now runs everywhere! So hopefully, you might find too that the Consultant says Isla is fine and there's no problem.

However, the others are right - if there is a problem, its been caught really early and can be dealt with while she's little, which is great. I can totally understand why you're panicking about the car seat etc but in the long term it's better to have a relatively short period of challenges because it will mean that her long term future prognosis is good.

Thinking of you and hoping the next week flies by.

x

Hi Janey, Bubble asked me to drop by

My eldest had a dislocated hip which was picked up via a scan when she was 21 weeks old. In the fist instance can I reassure you that it's perfectly possible to breastfeed throughout treatment, it just takes imagination and a bit of invention

Ok, so we don't know the extent of your little one's hip problems and it may be that she just needs a brace of some description. If she has a brace then you cn remove it to bathe her and to attend to personal hygiene. If it's a bit worse she may need a plaster cast or a 'hip spica'. Now don't panic, because although it sounds awful and it probably makes your stomach churn, it's pretty straightforward treatment and most importantly, it causes 'you' far more problems than it causes these babies, who tend to just get on with it.

My daughter needed surgery to pop the hip back into the socket and then she wore a plaster cast (from her nipples to her toes) for four months. I adapted her pram, she slept in a cot with a pillow under her feet and we borrowed a car seat from STEPS. I breastfed her (even when she was flat on her back in hospital... I dangled over her ) and did all of the things that you can do with a regular baby. The only thing she couldn't do was wear trousers... until I got her a pair of 'three sizes too big' trousers with poppers up the legs... problem solved.

There are two other children at my daughters school who have had the same treatment (one has only just come out of plaster and is already running around)

It's not a nice thing to watch your baby go through medical proceedures but I can absolutely assure you that these babies ALL cope with it, that all Mums get used to it very quickly and that the results are worth a few weeks of inconvenience.

Try not to worry, see what the cons says and if it comes to a brace or plaster then take heart in the fact that your lives won't grind to a halt. It sure looks odd breastfeeding a baby with their leg stuck up in the air but it's perfectly possible, even out and about.

I'm glad they could fit you in tomorrow - please let us know how you get on.

x

Will be thinking of you tomorrow xxx

Pleased to hear you have an appointment tomorrow. Will be thinking of you.

x

Hi Jane

It IS hard when its your child, absolutely. Its hard to be rational and not overly worried and I think that's just part of being a Mum.

I'm sorry that the diagnosis was confirmed BUT, you know it should have a successful outcome and hopefully this early diagnosis will mean a quicker and easier resolution.

Doesn't help much I know when you're worried and wondering how you'll deal with everything. But you will deal with it all because you're her Mum and you'll do everything you can to make it as bearable for her as possible and you want the best for her future and you know that, unfortunately, this is necessary to secure that.

Keep talking to us, there's always someone here to listen.

Love to you and Isla.

x

That's good Jane, both about waiting for a while and how you feel about the whole thing now.

Yes it's upsetting knowing that they can't kick their lovely little legs but they get used to it very quickly, much quicker than us in fact. Even if she does need the harness it will just make her even more special to you and you'll be even more proud of her.

Dylan had his 8 week check yesterday and the Dr has refered him for a scan on his left hip as she has 'slight' concerns. Cue me bursting into tears and her spending 5 mins reassuring me that it was probably nothing and me blubbling 'If it's nothing why do you need to refer him?'. I know it's better to be safe than sorry but the thought of this is so upsetting. I can identify with you Wee Janey.

Will just sit and imagine the worst until I get the scan date through... already been on google. Big mistake! Will look at STEPS website and hopefully get some better info. x

I just wanted to say Jane, I am very sorry you are going thro this... We did scans for DD, and all was okay but we were told to do it asap as apparently breach girls are at higher risk and she was, as I understand and I did some reading as I was so stressed just like you are, the sooner it diagnosted the better, best of luck to you with the whole issue, sending you a big hug and a very big kiss to your girl. Also I know somebody their girl had it ages ago and ABSOLUTELY FINE now and she is about 20 now!

Dilly, I hope the scan proves that there is nothing to worry about.

Jane, good luck with your next appointment. Do you know Chris (Fi's mum) on here? She has a granny diary in the parenting section and her little grandduaghter has just been given a harness. You might want to have a look through her diary - and I'm sure she'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

x

Sorry to hear that you're all upset by that pesky hip. I know it's awful to see her in the splint but she 'will' get used to it and as impossible as it may seem, you're just going to have to try to be happy and chirpy around her because if she senses that you're upset or worried then she'll feel it too.

It's 'very' early days and she's going to feel a little achey and sore from having her legs stuck in that position so you could think about giving her some pain relief if you haven't already been doing so. My little girl had regular doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen for several days after she had her cast on, maybe you could talk to your GP or HV about that?

I know that plonking her in front of the TV may not seem like a good resolution but it may help distract her from her harness for 20 minutes... and you wouldn't be the world's worst parent for doing it. I used to prop my daughter up on a big bean bag and let her watch TV, she was a bit older at 7 months (ish) but it gave her welcome relief from lying down or being manhandled by me.

I hope the hip's looking more stable by your next appointment but just out of interest, what's the next step that sounds so horrid?

Hi Jane

Its horrible to see your child upset isn't it? My DD1 had some health problems when she was younger and it was so hard not let her see how upset I was when she was in pain and to focus on her being unhappy rather than me being sad watching it. It does get easier though - I think children are inherently brave and deal with things better than adults a lot of the time - and that helps us Mums to get through situations like you're in.

I'm going to agree with Bells about the TV - 8 hours a day of TV wouldn't be good but the odd 10/20 minutes here or there to distract her and give you a break isn't the end of the world and might actually do you both good from time to time.

I hope the next 4 weeks go quickly until your next appointment - she'll then be another month nearer getting better and out of the harness.

x

Jane hun, I can't even imagine how hard it is for you but again as I said before - I know one family, their girl had to wear it and she is absolutely fine, beautiful lady (around 20) now, I do hope Isla will get used to it and she will, it's only temporary and it will all be sorted! Ah Jane, I am so so sorry! Hope you manage to have a nice weekend, load of love to you and your beautiful little girl (love the outfit!)

Jane- Hope Isla is getting more used to her harness.

We had Dylans scan last Tuesday and it was all clear. Not sure why he has an extra crease down one leg but both hips were checked and fine. Feel so relieved.

Dils x

Hi Wee Janey - I've just found this thread as I was having a quick look to see if there was anyone else on the site who's little ones had hip dysplasia!

One of my twins Molly has been in a Pavlik harness for 2 weeks now as her right socket is very shallow. It was a bit of a faff to start with especially washing her, I did have a wee weep when I couldn't plonk her in the bath as she loves to kick and splash; it took sooo long to wash around her brace as well as bath Georgie (who has dermatitis and requires lotioning each time). I thought I'd never cope, but after a few times we've found our rhythm and it's all fine!

Thankfully the harness doesn't seem to bother Molly - I did spend ages with some cotton wool pads and micropore taping up all the rough bits to protect her skin so I think that may have helped. So far she still fits into her car seat thankfully or we would be housebound (car seat is also a puschchair seat on the twin buggy).

I hope the harness does the trick for Isla xx

Hi,

Really sorry to hear that Isla needs further treatment. It's completely natural and understandable that you are worried.

When you are in hospital, they should show you ways that will make nappy care a bit easier. One thing you can try is to get a nappy, and cut the 'tabs'/ bits that wrap around the baby off, so you are left with a liner that looks a bit like a sanitary towel. You can put this on her, to help catch some of the poo. You then put a normal nappy on top, you may find it easier to get some bigger sized nappies, for on top, to go round the plaster cast.
It can be hard to keep the casts completely clean. Often, if the cast is to be on for a while, they do change of plaster cast, during the treamtment.

HTH

xxx

Hi Jane

Sorry to hear that things are not resolved yet. It might be worth giving Steps another call now that you know how she'll be treated next? They may also be able to put in you in touch with someone locally who has been through the same and can help with the practical questions.

I'm sure Bells can be of help as well but she's not online this week. She did put some advice in Moonshine's diary recently though because one of her girls has had a harness.

x

So sorry Isla's harness hasn't worked. Maybe it was because they didn't put it on early enough. Lily's harness was put on at 4 weeks, then there was a big improvement after 2 weeks so she only had it on at night for another 4 weeks Now she's out of it altogether. I think Bell's first baby was in plaster, so she'll probably be able to give you some advice. Do you have to go back to work soon?Couldn't your GP give you a sick line? Hope it all works out for you.
Love,
Chris x

Hi Jane,

I'm sorry to hear that Isla's harness didn't work, I can totally understand how worried you are about her having to have a plaster cast, a procedure under general as well as having to go back to work I am sure though that she will adjust really quickly, as will you, to the harness - and any good nusery will include her in any activity. The liners that Bells mentioned look like a great idea.

We have Molly's scan in a few weeks time, she'll have been in her harness for 10 weeks by then. I am a little worried as on the last scan the hip could have been sitting in the socket slightly better, but it was just within so the harness was thought to be the best way forward. The fact that it wasn't perfect makes me a little anxious I must admit. Molly's hip socket was very shallow too.

You're so right in saying that parents do see their kids go through a lot worse, but it's difficult seeing your child go through anything! Of all the conditions to have though, it's good that it is so easily curable and the little ones really won't remember a thing about it when they're older. It's us that have to go through the phsychological trauma!

I really hope the cast going on isn't too traumatic for you both - please let us know how you're getting on

Hi Jane,

I hope Isla is doing well? I am guessing she must be in her spica by now?

We've just had Molly's hip scan today, her harness hasn't worked either and will also need a spica within the next few weeks

xx

I must say that our experience of a hip spica was a very positive one. It's not nice at all to think about, the surgery was upsetting and it took a good few days for us all to adjust BUT for the majority of the 4 months my daughter wore it she coped with it incredibly well and I just felt really, REALLY proud of her.

On the flip side, my own big sister's dislocated hip wasn't discovered until she was seven years old. By then she'd worn the socket away completely and needed to have her leg broken, a plate and screws put in and spent many months in traction on an adult ward and then spent months in a plaster of paris cast (my little Mum had to carry her everywhere!!) she also had to use a potty and be carried into school on my Mum's back. I thank my lucky stars that modern medicine gives us scans, lightweight 3M plaster bandage and all of the mod cons that allow us to cope with these pesky rotten hip problems.

Moony, try not to fret. The weeks go by very quickly and I'm sure you're going to be so proud of her!

Thanks Bells, it's so nice to hear your LO coped so well with the spica. Of course it's so much better than the alternative, your poor sister (and Mum!) it must have been so difficult. I've loads of questions for you if you don't mind me asking? We've had a date through for the 5th July (not happy about that - but that's another story!).

1. What age did your daughter have it done? Molly will be 26 weeks by the time she has the op. She's just beginning to try to roll over and I'm worried that by waiting so long, she'll be so much more mobile and the adjustment period may be longer. Not that I can do anything about the delay, but I just wondered how you all coped and if you have any tips to make the transition easier?

2. What did you do with regards to an high chair for feeding? I can feed M in her bouncer, but I'd be interested to know if you found a make of high chair your LO could sit in? As M will be well into weaning I don't really want her in a semi-reclined position as I start to introduce finger foods.

3. I presume that the cast was changed during the four months - was that done under anaesthetic too? I forgot to ask the consultant that question.

4. Clothing! As it'll be summer she'll be in dresses most of the time, but with regards to vests and sleepsuits, how many sizes bigger did your LO wear? Is it possible to get the cast covered legs into a sleepsuit or should I invest in some night dresses?

5. Nappies. Same thing - did you require a bigger size to fit round the cast?


I think that's it for now! I'm just starting to think of all the practicalities...

Quoted from "Moonshine"

1. What age did your daughter have it done? Molly will be 26 weeks by the time she has the op. She's just beginning to try to roll over and I'm worried that by waiting so long, she'll be so much more mobile and the adjustment period may be longer. Not that I can do anything about the delay, but I just wondered how you all coped and if you have any tips to make the transition easier?

I just got her baby book out and had to Google calendars but I worked out that she was diagnosed at 21 weeks and went into plaster at just under 32 weeks. During her time in plaster she learned how to push herself backwards and by the time the plaster was due to come off she could look over her shoulder and reverse anywhere she wanted to go at great speed. The problem then was getting her to 'unlearn' how to be mobile in a plaster cast when she was suddenly without it. I must admit that taking it off at the end was a harder transition than having it on.

They do adapt. Rollng, crawling and walking is an accepted solution to our babies getting to the places they want to go and even though it's hard work and frustrating for them, we just accept that they have to go through that learning process. At that age, it's no different to them to be doing it in a plaster, it's just an obstacle they have to overcome.. and they do. It's hard being a Mum watching them struggle but for them it's no more frustrating than trying to roll, crawn, stand or walk without a cast on.

Just be as positive and encouraging as you can be, as I'm sure you would be anyway. As soon as your baby comes out of surgery you have to plaster a smile on your face and leave it there for several months.

Quoted from "Moonshine"

2. What did you do with regards to an high chair for feeding? I can feed M in her bouncer, but I'd be interested to know if you found a make of high chair your LO could sit in? As M will be well into weaning I don't really want her in a semi-reclined position as I start to introduce finger foods.

I got hold of a really old second hand highchair with a shallow seat, wedged a big pillow behind my daughter and used the harness to literally hold her in. She was barely 'sat' in the seat, more strapped 'to' it... but it worked. I have pictures if you'd like to see them.

Quoted from "Moonshine"

3. I presume that the cast was changed during the four months - was that done under anaesthetic too? I forgot to ask the consultant that question.

Yes, she went up to theatre for the cast to be changed. Her cast was down to the toes on one foot and to the ankle on the other. That one exposed foot was so precious and dear to me, I begged the consultant not to cover it when they changed her plaster. I was so thrilled when she came back with that lovely foot showing . It was so lovely to have a clean cast. The smell can get... umm... interesting. Especially when you have a baby who poos right up her back .....

Quoted from "Moonshine"

4. Clothing! As it'll be summer she'll be in dresses most of the time, but with regards to vests and sleepsuits, how many sizes bigger did your LO wear? Is it possible to get the cast covered legs into a sleepsuit or should I invest in some night dresses?

I just bought a few different bigger sizes and yes, sleepsuits are perfect. You can put skirts on over her head and if you can find dungarees with poppers up the inside legs (they make them for boys!) then they're good too. Socks also need to be bought in a bigger size to fit over the cast.

Quoted from "Moonshine"

5. Nappies. Same thing - did you require a bigger size to fit round the cast?

I WISH I'd know that they now recommend a newborn nappy wedged inside the cast opening and a bigger nappy over the top. Sadly, nobody mentioned it to me and it wasn't something I realised might help but yes, newborn ones underneath and a bigger size over the top.

Quoted from "Moonshine"

I think that's it for now! I'm just starting to think of all the practicalities...

Pillows are great for wedging behind your baby in prams, highchairs or any kind of 'seat' where the cast leaves a void between your child's bottom and where it would be if she could bend.

I'll also mention that for us, constipation was a big issue. The abdomen obviously cannot move and the intestine and bowels have no kind of muscle stimulation. This led to my daughter holding on to bowel movements and compounding the problem. It may not be an issue for you but it's just a heads up and if you notice signs of constipation then obviously, a bit of medicine can solve the problem before it gets any worse.

I wish I could get my old video camera plugged into my laptop. I have a lovely video of my happy little girl scooting around in a plaster without a care in the world.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!! Bells you are indeed wonderful

I do like to plan ahead (you may have noticed :snigger and all this info is just so useful. I'm going to try and source some small cushions and I think that's me done. I thought about buying a couple of those fabric pocket high chairs for when we go out and about - as they are adjustable I think they may be ideal for M at home too, provided she has a cushion to fill the gap. Luckily I'd massively overstocked small sized nappies anyway so I have plenty of those, I have bought some fleecy liners and sleek tape, big dungarees, socks, sleepsuits and dresses. As for the constipation, I will keep an eye on that, thanks for the warning!

xx

Sorry I seem to have completely hijacked Wee janeys thread...

I have one more day of my wiggly, bathable Molly. She's having her Spica put on on Monday (all being well). I am feeling sad in a way, but also keen to just get on with it.

I think I shall give her a super long bath and lots of blowing raspberry's on her tum tomorrow, 12 weeks worth maybe

I have to say, if anyone else is going through this at the moment, the Steps Charity is invaluable (almost as invaluable as Bells!). I have been sent a DVD, info leaflets etc and it's full of practical advice. It also matches you up to others in your area (although I've not had chance to do this yet) and has a very useful forum. It has been far more useful than our hospital's OT department who have been as useful as a chocolate teapot!

Hi hun,

So glad Isla's spica change went well, I was thinking about you all day yesterday! I've replied to your weaning question in my diary - but to cut a long story short, at the moment I'm using her bouncy chair!

There doesn't seem an awful lot of help for babies of this age regarding spica equipment - they just recommend bean bags but there's no way they can sit up enough to eat on one. The spica chairs for older children look ideal as they just straddle them...if only I was slightly better at woodwork I'm sure it would be easy enough to knock something up :snigger

I am so happy to say that after a long 8 month journey Molly and WeeJaney's Isla are now out of their hip spica's I'm posting this just in case anyone else finds themselves in the same situation and to say that there is light at the end of the tunnel if your baby is diagnosed with Congenital Hip Dysplasia.

WeeJaney - I know you don't get on here much these days, but I hope Isla's range of movement is improving and that she continues to make a full recovery.


Molly has had her legs restrained for such a long time in various harnesses and plaster it's just brilliant to see her free, able to kick and much to my surprise, sitting up unaided for the very first time within hours of coming out of her brace We went to our local twins group today and it was just amazing seeing Molly sitting up and being able to interact with her peers - before she's either be sitting on my lap or lying down frustrated at not being able to see anything or move. I'm so incredibly proud of how she's coped with everything she's been through in her short life - what a little star

She'll need regular xrays to make sure her hip socket is continuing to grow and mature, but here's hoping

Moony, that's fantastic news! And well done Molly - what a star!

x

What lovely news Mooney, well done to your clever little girl xxx

Thanks Pootle and Chicks

Molly's free!! Great news Moonshine, and thanks for letting us know about Isla too.

It's not over yet

We've had a wonderful few months of Molly being free, she's learned to crawl and has become a much happier and independent little girl. We've today recieved the news she needs an open reduction, a short hospital stay and another 6 weeks in plaster.

I know it's necessary, but I am gutted for her. I thought everything was going so well and I thought we may have beaten the odds this time.

Still, we've been through it all before, so we will get through it again. The reality of the situation is never as bad as the thought of it beforehand.

At least you know that she 'will' cope in the plaster and how quickly she will catch up once she's out of it.

Hopefully this will completely stabilise that hip and you can all look to the future once it's out of the way.

x

Bless her. She's a tough cookie that one! And you're a very tough Mummy too!

Oh Moonshine, so sorry Molly's having to have more treatment. Hope it all goes well.

Love, x

Thanks guys. Mummy's not feeling particularly tough at the moment