Thursday, March 04, 2010

Clubfoot Info

Writing is my therapy, so there may be more blog posts than anyone cares to read for a while. :)

Now that I've had a little time to read online, I can share what limited information I have about our little baby boy's condition.

Before I do that, let me add a prayer need. Eddie and I just watched the 4-D ultrasound DVD we rec'd last night. On it is the official paperwork about what the technician saw. Something that wasn't really discussed with us last night is something called a choriod plexus cyst. Apparently, this is fairly common and typically disappears by the 6th month. It could also be a symptom of a chromosomal anomaly. Please pray that it goes away before my next ultrasound and that there is nothing further wrong with our baby!

Is it possible to be both ENcouraged and DIScouraged all at once? That is the only way I can describe how I feel tonight. I am encouraged by what I've read about treatment for clubfoot, yet on the other hand discouraged that I am facing the possibility of walking this road at all. I know in the grand scheme of things, this is a minor blip on the radar - so I am encouraged. Yet, in this moment, my mother's heart is broken and I am discouraged. I fully trust in God's perfect plan for me, my baby and our family and therefore I am very encouraged. And yet there is a pain I just can't describe. Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning!!!

Best I can tell - treatment for clubfoot entails serial casting which begins around 1-2 weeks of age. The casts are changed each week and the feet are manipulated slowly to the correct position. This generally last 6-8 weeks. The heel chords are then released followed by another cast for 3 weeks. After that, a brace is worn - possibly all day for a few months, but then just at night for 2 years. There is another treatment that involves lots of physical therapy, stretching, taping, etc = but also last 2 years. Both have about a 95% success rate according to a study I read about. This is encouraging news.

We would really prefer not to walk this road, but we are willing to go where God sends us. I know that if this is the journey He has called us to, He will fully equip us to walk it. I have already seen Him faithful in that. Sometimes people say, "God never gives you more than you can handle." I can assure you that giving me a child with Down Syndrome was more than I could handle. Thankfully, God has been faithful to equip us with every step ... and I know He will do the same with this.

I am sure I will have more information as the weeks go on - and hopefully more specifically from an orthopedist who will treat the baby after birth (if necessary, of course ... I am still believing God for that miracle healing!!!!)

Thanks for praying for and with us!

2 comments:

Sarah said...

I feel heavy-hearted because I know that you (and Eddie) are heavy-hearted right now.

We are praying for a miracle for your little one and sending lots of love your way!! :)

Dara said...

I just want to encourage you, hug your neck and tell you that this was the same story for another momma I know. With the help of Doctors and lots of prayer the casts they ended up doing, but the baby was completly healed after that. The dr couldn't explain the childs amazing change! All of that to just testify and say that prayer truly changes things and that I am going to make this a matter of prayer as all of your other friends are! We stand with you in faith believing that the Lord will bring about his perfect will in this! God be glorified in all of us through this!
Love you girl!