Learning To Cope With DDH

On October 26, 2013 I gave birth to our second baby, a beautiful perfect baby boy. See? Look at how absolutely beautiful he is.

Less than 3 hours after he was born, we were told he wasn't quite as perfect as we thought. His hips clicked, we didn't know what that meant but we would soon find out. Have you even noticed the hip test every doctor does on infant exams where they stretch their hips up and out? Well our little Jones's hips gave a very loud clunk (not a click like we thought it would be) when tested. He has Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips, DDH, which is a very broad term that covers everything from very minor joint issues to full-on dislocations and underdevelopment of bones requiring open or closed reduction surgery or even full hip replacements. So, before we left the hospital he was fitted for the Pavlik Harness. Success for the pavlik varies greatly depending on the issue causing the hip click.

First day home from the hospital with the Pavlik Harness

I was devastated. He wore the harness for 8 weeks (which felt like an eternity at the time) and I cried nearly every day. I felt/feel guilty that I didn't make his body perfect. I felt so sad that I couldn't snuggle him, that he couldn't wear cute little outfits, that he was so uncomfortable in his carseat. I felt guilty for feeling so sad because when you really think about it, his problems are minor compared to so many other children so I would cry more. I resented people commenting on Facebook about how perfect and lovely their own children were and then felt ashamed for feeling that way. I felt worried and scared for his future, what if he never runs?

I prayed and begged that 8 weeks would be all his body needed to develop. After 8 weeks, we rechecked with our Pediatric Orthopedist and YAY no clicks. We got to take the harness off right in time for a trip to see our families for the Christmas holidays.

Last week Jones had another checkup with his Orthopedist, and this time they did xrays to see what's really going on inside. Not good news I'm afraid. His right hip socket is flat, more like a saucer than a cup so the femoral head can't stay in place. It wasn't severely dislocated though so the doctor thinks another brace will help. 

Rigid Hip Abductor Brace

For the week between his xrays and when he was fitted into his harness I took advantage of every snuggle I could get. Once again, I cried when I saw the brace. He will be in this brace for a good long time. We will know after 4 months if the brace is going to work or if we will have to get more aggressive (with surgery and spica cast...yikes!). If this brace is working, we should start to see some development within 4 months but he definitely won't be done. As you can see, it's hard plastic so he really can't move his chubby little body very well. How will he learn to sit? How will he learn to roll over or crawl? He doesn't fit in his carseat. He is only 4 months old and it's winter...how will I take him anywhere? I'm afraid of grocery shopping, where will I put him if he doesn't fit in an infant carseat and he can't sit in a cart...in fact he wouldn't fit in a cart. You know when you just feel overwhelmed and suddenly all logical thought has vanished and everything seems larger than life and completely impossible? Well, that is how I felt.

Until today. I can feel the prayers and well wishes from our families and friends. I know things will still be hard and I still have a lot to figure out (like the car seat, high chair, bouncer, etc) but I don't feel nearly so overwhelmed and desperately hopeless as before. So thank you dear family and dear friends, thank you for helping me get a grip and embrace this endeavor.