Lily was diagnosed with DDH (developmental hip dysplasia) at 14 months. As this was a late diagnosis her hip was seriously dislocated and required invasive surgery to correct it (a femoral osteotomy and an open reduction). During this surgery she had metal plates put in to hold her hip in place and was then put in a hip spica (a cast which goes from under the arms down the affected side of the leg to the ankle, and to the knee on the other side) for 6 weeks while the bone healed. Throughout this Lily had a smile on her face and did not let the restriction prevent her from getting around and playing with her friends! She had the cast removed and with some help from splashing in the pool, Lily started to walk again. Now she is running, climbing, and has even started ballet, which we would not have thought possible a year ago. In the next two weeks she will go under general anaesthetic again to have the plates removed and hopefully that will be the end of surgery for the duration of her childhood. Throughout all this STEPS have provided us with amazing support, sending us information packs and DVDs showing the experience of other families and practical things like how to change her nappy and wash her in the cast. Colette and Helga from the charity are often in touch offering a friendly ear and are always happy to answer our questions. I really do not know how we would have got through this without them. 

Lily is going to be doing a sponsored walk around Reigate Priory Park during hip awareness week, 10th-17th March, to raise awareness of the condition and money for the charity. The earlier this is picked up the less likely it will be that invasive surgery is the way forward, so we want as many people to know about the symptoms etc of the condition as possible. 

We would all be very grateful for any donation that you could make at this time!

The Webster family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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