#ThisIsMyChild Talipes and Torticollis | MR ELI WALKS!

Photo 17-01-2014 10 04 55

I have been waiting to write this blog post for SO SO LONG.

Mr Eli was diagnosed with Bilateral Talipes when he was 25 weeks old, in utero. We were told it would be mild when he was born. Granted, it didn’t look anywhere near as bad as we were expecting when he was born – and there was a lot of flexibility in his feet, which was good news.

8 weeks into doing stretching exercises at home, we hit a brick wall (I was also told at Eli’s 8 week check by the top GP in the practice that his feet would “correct themselves”). I finally got a physio appointment for Eli when he was 10 weeks old. Roll onto 13 weeks and we were seeing our Consultant, who said Eli would be following the Ponseti Method of treatment for Talipes – plaster casts followed by wearing Ponseti Boots & Bar. Eli had plaster casts for 6 weeks, up to the top of his thighs. It was quite frankly, horrendous. He was old enough to understand a bedtime routine with his lovely soothing bath. He was old enough to want to roll over. We were without these things for 6 weeks and of course, without any sleep too! In December 2012 Eli began wearing his Ponseti Boots & Bar, 23 hours a day. For the one hour he had the boots off, he had a ‘run around’ and his lovely bath. He wore the boots & bar full time for 6 months, going down to just wearing them at nighttime (12 hours) after our 6 month appointment. At 10 months old Eli started cruising the furniture (and anything else he could get his hands on!). Since then, Eli has had several good reviews with his Consultant. The last appointment we had in November 2013 was amazing – his feet look just like a ‘normal’ child’s’ feet. Our Consultant was so happy, he almost packed the boots & bar in for good – but we have to be sensible, there’s always a chance of relapse and we didn’t want Eli to stop wearing the boots & bar too soon; after all, most Talipes children wear the boots & bar until they reach 5 years old.

At 16 months, Eli took his first few steps between Mr Memoirs and me – aided by the bribe of a dummy (which he only has for bed).

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At 17 months old he’s walking, completely unaided and with a degree of good balance (he’s currently having a bout of Torticollis at the minute, so he’s sloping off to the one side). When his Torticollis sorts itself out in the next few days we’re very confident that Eli will be dashing everywhere. Of course, the Torticollis does coincide with the fact he has reached yet another milestone. (He also has Chickenpox, to boot! That’s another blog post in itself).

We’ve had this lots before, but I know most people would be saying:

“Keep him crawling as long as you can, you don’t want him running about yet – you’ll be shattered!”

“Hope you’re ready for all that running about!” 

“Oh god, now the fun really starts.” (AS IF it’s a negative thing?!).

“You’ll regret saying you want a walker!”

But my goodness me, we’ve wanted nothing more than to be worn out after running around with our little boy. I don’t think people realise sometimes – and I understand that people do speak without thinking too. This still feels very surreal to us. An absolutely amazing achievement for our darling boy – we’re so proud we could BURST.

Without the treatment that Eli has gone through, he would not be walking – full stop. All the tears, endless sleepless nights, stress and strain was all completely worth it.

There is literally nothing more wonderful in life than seeing your child grow and develop. And our brave little soldier is growing and developing just perfectly.

MAGIC.

MM.

 

3 thoughts on “#ThisIsMyChild Talipes and Torticollis | MR ELI WALKS!

  1. Natalie Birkett says:

    Miss Memoirs this moved me to near tears. No wonder you write for a living. Of course I saw your updates on what Mr Eli was going through but I never knew the true extent of it all the bar worn 24 hours a day etc. Every parent feels proud when their child walks. We were so proud when Ethan took his first steps. I agree so many people see want to hold it of crawling/walking for as long as they can or those comments as you said your be run of your feet! There is nothing more satisfying that watching your child develop and grow. As you know I know and still do 🙁 know what you guys went through with the sleep deprivation but by gosh yes I bet every night lost sleep was worth it. You have ever reason to feel PROUD and fit to BURST. So happy for you guys and Mr Ethan sends Mr Eli big proud hugs and kisses xxx

  2. admin says:

    Natalie, thank you so much for your lovely comments.

    Walking is the most insanely cool milestone – for all parents. I just hope everyone feels like you and I about it (irregardless of Eli’s conditions). It would make me very sad to think that people are blasé about it. Especially now understanding the journey’s some children do go through to reach their milestones.

    We’re very lucky to have our children. A day does not go by when I’m not reminded of just how lucky we are (as you know, especially after being around hospitals so much). These children are an absolute joy! 🙂 And I know you and Chris savour every minute with Ethan!

    Thank you again, means a lot. Hopefully see you soon x x x x

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