After Cote's sonogram of her hips the doctor's office called on Monday to inform me that the screening yielded results that needed to be observed further, so I was set up to make an appointment at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The nurse did not give me much information except that the hospital would be calling to set an appointment.
About 20 minutes later the hospital called and set the appointment for Thursday at 2:00 PM. This nurse also did not give me any information about what was going on with Cote's hips. All she did was make the arrangements and inform me that I would be receiving a packet in the mail.
...... I needed some information about what was going on with my baby girl!! So, me being a concerned mother, I researched for three days to try to understand what could possibly be going on with Cote. The hospital website was my best source because it narrowed my options to basically hip displasia. This apparently means that the hip socket is not formed correctly, and it is most common in first-born, Caucasian daughter. Perfect. Cote fulfills that criteria.
The treatments for hip displasia range from braces to surgery and everything in between. Everything simply depends on the severity of the case.
At the appointment on Thursday, the doctor began by examining Cote's hips by simply moving them around gently. She told me that she was listening for any popping and feeling if the hips came out of socket. Because she was unable to feel or hear any problems the doctor ordered another sonogram.
This sonogram went much more smoothly. The nurse performing it had a totally different approach which was much more effective. She allowed Cote to lay on her back instead of her side, and she only restrained her as necessary allowing Cote to rest between images. The room was also very dimply lit with a TV attached to the bed playing Clifford the Big Red Dog.
When the sonogram was over we went back to see the doctor. This time there was a male doctor who joined us. He examined Cote as well. Apparently the new sonogram showed a vast improvement in both of Cote's hip sockets, but her left hip still needs to be watched. The ball of her hip is not sitting well in the socket. The doctor said it could be something that will fix itself, but if not, now is the time to catch the problem.
Her next appointment is after the family reunion. At that time the doctor will decide if a brace is necessary. If so, we will defiantly be continuing treatment. The alternative down the road is a body cast which would be no fun for anyone involved.
My Cote-Bear was such a trooper through her entire appointment. The doctor's were very impressed! It was pretty amazing. At one point the nurse tried to give her a pacifier with sugar water on it (since she wont usually take it) in an effort to centralize Cote's energy. (She was being quiet but very fidgety.) The nurse quickly found out how smart my baby is! Cote would not open her mouth to take the pacifier, but she licked off all of that sugar water! It was quite entertaining!!
Now I ask that you please pray the Little Missy's hips shape up in the next couple weeks so she doesn't have to endure the hastle of wearing a brace... Please and Thank You!!
:) Stay Connected
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