Thank you update to A/S update

Mel&John2013 · November 2014

i don't know if anyone remembers, but a couple of weeks ago I was freaking out a little because an early scan showed baby boy might have a clubfoot. Thank you everyone for the kind thoughts you sent my way! We found out today little guy definitely has two club feet. He doesn't seem to have any of the disorders associated with club foot, his spine looks normal so doesn't look like spina bifida, and he doesn't show signs of trisomy 13 or 18. So that's good. There are still disorders that are possible I'm not sure they can test for, but I'll ask about that at my OB appointment tomorrow. I couldn't get my thoughts together today to think to ask. And everything else looks normal, other than he's measuring on the low end of the scales. I know people get worse news than this. Trust me, I'm aware. But I can't help but feel heartbroken. I wanted so badly to be done at Children's hospital, for this baby not to have all those appointments and loss of fun time. It doesn't feel fair. My family paid our dues at doctor appointments and hospitals. How is that not enough?? I just feel so sad that he'll have to have discomfort. Not sure of the point of this post, just to get it all out I guess. Any enlightening words to cheer me up would be appreciated! Stories of kids with club feet who grow up to ride bikes and run around like crazy?

update:

Thank you again so much for all your hugs, prayers and good thoughts. I really don't know what I'd do without being able to get it all out here. It's a relief to talk to women who understand that being upset, sad and angry about the situation doesn't mean I'm not grateful for my little boy. I can love him just how he is and still be angry as heck at the universe for handing him a struggle.

I'm doing a little bit better today. We chatted with our OB and pediatrician, and both have hammered into my brain that there's no point worrying. What will be will be. It's possible there are neurological issues going on here (from what I've read, about a 20% chance) and it's possible this is an isolated occurrence. But there's nothing I can do at this point to change the outcome. There's absolutely nothing to imply this has anything in common with my first son's liver, heart and kidney problems, as club foot is not associated with organ malformation. So I'm trying not to worry and will do no more research until our growth scan in 3.5 weeks. This baby deserves all of the love and excitement about his birth that his brother had, not just worry and stress, so I'm going to focus on decorating the nursery and loving him. I am NOT going to live in fear that baby will be sick and not get to sleep in his cute room.

I'm pregnant, I love this baby, and as far as I know he is healthy and happy.

mrsjg2013 · November 2014

I typically avoid "Dr. Google," but I was curious about club foot after reading your update. I knew two little girls who both had feet/legs that turned in as babies- they both wore braces for several years and went on to be able to run/play normally as 3-4 year olds. I can across this little boy's story after having been born with club feet- he's certainly not done with treatment, but the video clip they show of him standing/walking and playing is inspiring.

https://www.stlouischildrens.org/about-us/meet-our-patients/ethans-journey-with-clubfoot

dragonfly1809 · November 2014

I'm so sorry for all your worries. I don't know much about club foot, but hopefully there are solutions that won't be too hard on him (or you).
I was born with feet turned in and wore a brace at night the first couple years. My mom would tell stories about how I would still manage to climb out of my crib while in the brace. I was a very altering kid & teen involved in lots of sports...you'd never know I had any foot issues.
I'll be thinking of you. Wishing you and the little guy lots of luck.

Mel&John2013 · November 2014

Thank you for the support ladies, I really appreciate it. @mrsjg2013‌ thank you for that video, it is helpful to see someone who is doing so well. I hope things go that well for us!

@Megdowntheshore‌ the condition is usually treatable. They'll start treatment before he's 2 weeks old, and it'll start with casting. That means he'll get full leg casts to try to straighten the foot. The casts will be changed every 10 days or so to move the foot straighter and straighter each time. Hopefully that works. If not, they move to surgery. The success rates of the casting are different depending where you look. Proponents of the method say around 80-90% success, but I found a medical study that said closer to 50%.

alleycat39 · November 2014

I can imagine your sadness and frustration with this diagnosis and situation. Yes, there could be worse, but regardless this is your little boy and you don't want him to hurt. A family friend had a daughter born with club foot and now at a year old she is meeting all milestones. With casting and physical therapy (maybe occupational therapy too), you're little boy will be given the chance to run, bike, and play like all the other little kids!

Samuelismomma · November 2014

So sorry:( you are entitled to your feelings and they are valid. You did pay your dues. My neighbors son had this and cast worked for him. Would never know anything wrong:) he even walked with the casts on:) with the bar. It was very inspiring.:) children are very resilient and your son will be too:) he will be your inspiration just wait! Lots of hugs (( ))!

pblge · November 2014

I'm sorry for your bad news. There are never any guarantees that all will be well, but it's still hard to know for sure there is a problem, even though it's not as bad as what other women face. (Did that make any sense?) Especially after all you've been through, I'm sorry that you didn't get a clean bill of health for your baby. ((Hugs))