Orthopaedic surgery for leg length discrepancy

[Dustyblue]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with this?

My DS8 has a genetic condition that (amongst other things) causes accelerated growth. His left leg is approx 4cm or 2 inches longer than the right leg. His left foot is pronated. Currently he uses a shoe-raise.

We are lucky to have a team at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

The Ortho surgeons have offered this:

1. We can stunt the growth in the longer leg
2. We can attempt to grow the shorter leg, by means of implanting rods with screws in them. He will wear a metal 'halo' around his leg for months, whereby we turn the screws at intervals to force new bone growth.

To me, it would seem a no-brainer to choose option 1.

There's no rush. Has anyone else dealt with this? TIA X

The countdown for surgery on Monday begins!

Am waiting for the surgery admission Nurse to call me about what time we need to be there, fasting requirements etc.

One thing I do know is that they'll only allow one parent to be on the ward with him. This is going to cause a fight between me and my ex, because I need to be there but he'll argue.

I was with DS for his last 2 GA's and NO WAY will I not be there this time.

Once I know the timing I'll book a room at the hotel attached to the hospital. I've told my ex that "we can each book separate rooms" and he seemed to agree. But he can book his own bloody room.

Just went shopping for loose clothes- mainly baggy shorts he'll be able to easily fit over a cast. And new PJ's etc.

Thanks for the vent!

Hi all, in case anyone is still reading this!

The surgery went well. Apart from my little man begging "Mummy can't we do this another day? Please don't let me die" and so on. I was bloody shredded, holding him close and telling him he'll be just fine. Fucking awful.

We're home now, navigating a wheelchair in my poky little house! My Ex managed to find a knee-scooter, to help him move around and in particular, get to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, poor little man pooped in the bed this morning and my Ex yelled, named-called and swore at him, whilst I was cleaning up. Long story there.

My Ex has a very different parenting style to me. I wanted to gently coax DS to use the walker, but his Father has a more (ahem) direct style.

DS hasn't had much pain- we were given painkillers, but he's only had the minimum doses and seems ok. We're only 3 days in and DS has started to get up and use the wheelchair/scooter, to get to the bathroom. I must admit for the 1st two days I was letting him wee in a bowl.

DS & I had a McDonalds for dinner and he's asleep now. Phew. Thanks again for the vent! X

Some day, your ex will be unwell and unable to move from bed. He might then have a bit more understanding…though I reckon that empathy might be a step too far.

Thanks for your words and understanding X

We're only 3 days in, to me little man is doing pretty well!

Back to the hospital in 2 weeks for assessment etc.