Anthony's
Treatment
Round 2
- 500 mile round trips to see Naomi Davis and her team in Manchester
- Immediate increase in confidence
- Effective manipulations and castings showed progress from day 1
- Casts continued to slip – We knew how important it was not to leave Anthony in slipped casts, - the Ponseti team in Manchester were always supportive and accommodating, even seeing us at weekends to ensure Anthony always had ‘good’ casts
- Very good progress on left foot. Right foot remained more tight and puffy and less than ideal dorsiflexion. But feet were clearly “corrected” and 70 degrees of abduction possible
- Beginning November 04 – 2nd tenotomy under GA
- We were delighted with Anthony’s progress
Meanwhile, contacted John Mitchell in USA to order the ‘Ponseti Brace’ aka Mitchell sandals
- Anthony fitted with Mitchell’s end November 2004 – A UK first we believe!
- Anthony adapted to Mitchell’s better than expected
Have worked hard to fit shoes well and avoid blisters – it
used to take 10 mins per foot, including retakes! Now takes a couple
of minutes to do both feet. (assuming a co-operative Anthony)
Amazing progress – at first, Anthony’s heels would not ‘come down’ in the shoes, but over a period of about 6 weeks, they eventually sat flat in the sandals.
In March 2004, we went to see Dr
Ponseti in
Things we have learned
- We believe the Ponseti method is without doubt the best way of treating clubfeet
- The Ponseti method has to be followed exactly - by parents and consultants (and children!) if it is to work
- The Ponseti method requires patience, can be frustrating, but the benefits by far outweigh any negatives
- More information about ‘atypical’ clubfeet needs to be available, so it can be recognised
- Commitment to the method is essential if it is to work
- Parents have access to lots of information, including all details of the Ponseti method – they talk to each other across the world, and there is huge on-line parent support and sharing of experiences. We have found this invaluable.
August 2005, aged 13 months:
Anthony wore the Mitchells for 23 hours a day for 3 months. We then gradually reduced the hours until he is now wearing them 12 -14 hours a day. We expect to continue with this until he reaches the age of 4. Anthony is just beginning to take a couple of steps unaided and can hold his balance for a few seconds.
March 2006:
Anthony is now 19 months old. He is still doing really well. So far he has not missed any nights wearing his boots and bar. Although just recently, he has been making a big joke about the brace on at bedtime! He puts his foot in the shoe no problem, then every time we try and do the buckle up, he sticks his leg up in the air, and belly laughs! This goes on for about 20 minutes whilst we think of different ways to distract him whilst we put the shoes on. He’s so cheeky and has a great sense of humour : ) Anthony’s feet continue to do well, he is walking, running, climbing and is a typical mischievous toddler who we all love to bits. We are so proud of him.
For other parents
- Don’t be scared – the Ponseti method does work
- Do your research – there is loads of information ‘out there’
- Be committed and persevere - it may seem like a long process, and you may encounter hiccups along the way,
- BUT IT IS WORTH IT!!
Click here to find out more about "Living with Anthony's treatment'
