Monday, July 25, 2011

Pavlik Harness

I don't even know where to begin...I have so many thoughts running through my mind at this time.  I guess I will start with the news that for a week now Daphnee has been in this new contraption called the Pavlik Harness. 
We went back to Primary Childrens Hospital for her to visit the Orthopedic doctors this time because our Pediatrician noticed a click in her left hip.  After a hip ultrasound we found out that both of Daphnee's femoral heads are out of the hip sockets (hip dysplasia).  Her Urology doctors mentioned she might have issues with her hips or might not, but we wouldn't know until she was older and had healed from her surgery.  And now we know we have something else to tackle. 

We will have a 2 week visit back in SL to make sure the harness is still fitting properly and then a 4 week visit to assess wether it is working or not.  If it is working and the hips are moving into the socket correctly she will continue wearing the harness for months (possibly up to 6 months).  If it isn't working after 4 weeks then she will have to have surgery and will be in a cast. 

The challenge is having to rethink everything we have done so far with caring for her.  In her mermaid straps her legs were together and we could swaddle her up and now we have to keep her legs apart.  Being on her tummy or in a front carrier are now possible  and before they were forbidden.  I have to nurse her and snuggle her differently.  The one similarity is that she is in it 24/7 and we can't even take it off for baths.  So now back to the spit baths.  

Daphnee is adjusting to the new harness pretty well.  The first couple of days were rough which were to be expected and now she doesn't seem to mind them at all.  She just has her normal fussiness now which on a good day is a couple times a day and on a bad day it is several 20 minute unconsolable screaming and crying fits.  After three months I have noticed one consistency in her crying, she is always tooting.  I am pretty sure she has really bad gas.  It is usually brought on when I try and nurse her, and she has cut way down on her eating because she knows it is going to be painful. 

The past week has been an adjustment to say the least, but we are just hoping and praying that the harness works and Daphnee doesn't have to have another surgery. 

3 comments:

Stacey and Kyle Nielsen said...

Amy, you are a strong woman! Daphnee and your family are in my prayers! Can I just say that although it must be super hard to have her 24/7 in that harness... the picture you took of her... she is so beautiful! She looks so happy and has such a sweet little smile (even being in that awkward looking thing). Hang in there... You're family is beautiful! I love the pictures!!

Holly and Ryan Vasso said...

Oh Amy, I read your posts about having health issues with your kid and my heart just goes out to you. it was so hard with Jaxon and there have been several things that will just go on for a while...giving us little scares here and there until he grows out of it. You guys are in my prayers, this will make you appreciate your kids even more even if it doesn't seem possible. Keep us posted with all the updates. She seems like she has a good temperment for everything thats happening. You are a strong woman!

Carrie & the Boys said...

Oh man. So sorry to hear that. We will definitely remember her and you in our prayers. Hope all goes well. Poor little baby girl!