Continued on from Mackenzie's Story - Part 1: The Diagnosis...
4 days later, Rich and I took Mackenzie to the Monash Hospital to find out what treatment Mackenzie would need. We didn’t know what to expect from this appointment. Thanks to the internet, I now had general knowledge of all the terrifying options for treating infant hip dysplasia but I didn’t know about the logistics. I was so sad for Mackenzie. As it was a hip clinic day there were lots of babies in the hospital waiting room, many wearing Pavlik Harnesses, and there was a long wait. I was so anxious.
We eventually saw the Physio who told us that Mackenzie could be treated with a Pavlik Harness and they fit one on her straight away. A few straps and velcro and that was it. She had to wear it 24/7 for the first 2 weeks and we were told that it wasn’t to come off – not for nappy changes, not for baths, not even if she pooped or spewed on it which was apparently very common.
Luckily, toddler Chloe was having a sleepover at her grandparent’s house as I spent the next two days on the couch with Mackenzie, me crying non-stop and Mackenzie all stiff and awkward but otherwise non the wiser. Everything was different. Cuddles, carrying, breastfeeding, dressing, nappy changes, everything! It felt like I was a newbie mum all over again – I had to learn how to do everything differently. I knew the treatment was for Mackenzie’s good. She didn't appear to be in any pain and I knew that there were lots of families worse off than us... but I was absolutely, 100% devastated.
Suddenly, none of Mackenzie’s clothes fit properly, she couldn’t feed in her usual positions and I became paranoid about nappy explosions. Mackenzie was prone to the dreaded poonami which unfortunately occurred on day 2. Yep, second day in and Mackenzie pooped on her pristine white brace and no amount of spot cleaning can undo that kind of damage. Luckily (but actually unluckily), later that day, Mackenzie’s left leg stopped working. She would kick with her right leg but her left leg stayed still. No amount of foot tickling would get that left leg moving.
I called the hospital and the Physio told us that it sounded like her femoral nerve had been pinched. I was told to take the brace off immediately and come into the hip clinic the following week. I took the brace off, washed it, endlessly cuddled my squishy baby, fed her in our trusty old breastfeeding position, gave her a bath, dressed her in normal baby clothes and did a large amount of googling to find out about risks associated with femoral nerve palsy. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for her leg to start moving again.
Five days later Mackenzie was back in the Pavlik Harness, and the estimate was that she would need to wear it for 12 – 18 weeks. We all adjusted quickly and it became a normal part of our lives for the next 8 MONTHS! Here is a pic of Mackenzie on her last day in the Pavlik Harness - she's huge!
I experienced and learned a lot about infant hip dysplasia during that time and I know how important it is for parents to learn and share stories, tips and tricks with other parents in the same position. So, I have a few nuggets of wisdom and humorous tidbits to lift your spirits. Follow us on social media to join in – the links are at the top and bottom of each page of our website.
- Jess
For more posts about life with a baby receiving treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip, browse our blog here: https://www.hipsleepers.com.au/blog/
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