Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
When our son Jack was diagnosed with developmental hip dysplasia at the age of 18 months we were devastated and confused. Before this our little boy was "perfect" if a little late to start walking. When he finally found his feet he stood on tip-toes on his right leg and limped. Our GP referred us to a paediatrician who couldn't conceal his concern about the length difference in Jack's legs. He was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hip dysplasia (abnormal growth and development of the hip joint). He confirmed that Jack's right hip was completely dyslocated and would require surgery to open up his hip joint, replace his femur in the under-developed socket of the pelvis then retain it there (open reduction then spica cast).
Jack's surgery went well, he coped with his week long stay in hospital and the pain was controlled by an epidural. It was STEPS who helped us immensely post-op. They helped us understand the surgery Jack would undergo and the after-care he would require. Nothing could quite prepare us for the 3 months Jack would spend in full body casts (spica) . He was encased from the sternum to his ankles, with a bar seperating his knees. He needed 3 pillows to support his heavy cast at night in his cot. He could only sit safely in a bean-bag or a specialised spica chair and needed a twin pushchair to transport him. We gained alot of information from STEPS on how to care for Jack's cast including 2 hourly nappy changes day and night, how to water-proof the cast and how to carry out the simplest of tasks like washing his hair. The cast weighed almost 10kg and required one change after 6 weeks, in total he went from weighing 13kg to a cumbersome 23kg (at 2 years old).
The worst stage for us was when Jack had his 2nd cast removed, he lay on the floor helpless and cried. We couldn't explain to him why he was so weak and helpless, just try and help him gt stronger. It took over a month for him to learn how to crawl again and a further month to walk. He continues to do well but needs xrays ever 6 months until he his 4 years old to assess his growth. Further surgery is always possible but thankfully not on the horizon currently.
STEPS proved to be so helpful and supportive giving us information about Jack's condition, how to care for him and what we were entitled to. STEPS moto is "we don't take walking for granted" and after the help they gave us and the journey we have been on with our little boy I would like to give something back. I will run the London Marathon 2010 (my first!) for my brave little boy and all those other children like him. Please donate to STEPS who do such great work for families like ours, I am so proud to represent them. There is so little specialist equipment available for parents caring for children like Jack and STEPS desperately need your help.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
