November 02, 2011
Author Betsy Miller was successfully treated for hip dysplasia as an infant, and was able to walk, run, jump and play in her youth. As an adult, she experienced an unusual problem with her hips that lead her to search for answers that were not readily available except in medical journals. Being a professional technical writer, she was inclined to seize the subject and dive into research to find her own answers. She shares the depth and details of what she found, the most helpful and clear information, to allow parents to care for their children with hip issues with less confusion and more confidence.
In The Parents’ Guide to Hip Dysplasia, Betsy Miller combines her experience and interest in hip dysplasia with her skills as a technical writer to bring parents answers to their questions about DDH and CDH. This 118-page book is written in simple every-day language and includes the practical and medical facts of developmental dysplasia of the hip, and congenital dysplasia of the hip.
Any parent caring for a child with hip dysplasia will find valuable insights ranging from hip dysplasia in infancy to adulthood complications and every aspect of healing. All stages and factors of the process are considered, with insights and quotes directly from parents of children with hip dysplasia. Betsy Miller gives credit to the Hip-baby discussion group members for inspiring her to write this book. She is grateful for their supportive practical comments and suggestions and to Nancy Saunders for creating the Hip-baby website (www.hip-baby.org).
The “Understanding Hip Dysplasia” chapter states, “There is no known way to predict hip dysplasia or to prevent it from occurring, but it is highly treatable.” The hip joint structure, risk factors, and facts about the consequences of not treating hip dysplasia are covered. There is also a thorough explanation of the many tests, checkup exams, and treatment options to help determine what is best for your family. Helpful specifics include shielding the ovaries and testes from radiation, how to interpret x-rays, and ways to protect a child’s health and comfort in the process, as well as your own. One Hip-baby Discussion Group member shared, “I was so scared and cried non-stop. It is normal. The fear of the unknown is worse than the reality of treatment. It really is.”
The chapter on “Developing a Treatment Plan” includes treatment choices, getting a second opinion, coping with treatment, communicating with your doctor, choosing your doctor and other health complications that may add to your treatment needs. If you’ve ever wondered who is doing what with so many health care worker titles these days, there is a chart with definitions of what care you can expect from a: Nurse Practitioner, an Orthotist, a Pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a Physical therapist, a Radiologist, and a Geneticist, among others. Health Insurance and Financial Assistance, cleaning and caring for Pavlic harnesses, diapering, skin care, clothing tips, and how to comfort a fussy baby are all covered.
What about bedtime and swaddling? Suggestions discussed are: “Prop up your baby’s legs, consider using a swing, and try tummy time. Other nighttime concerns lead into a look at different types of braces, surgery, preparing for a hospital visit or surgery, and living with a baby in a cast. If you are interested in adults with hip dysplasia or a rich resource list go straight to the end of the book where Betsy has created a thoughtful list of potential searches and recommended ways to stay up-to-date on the latest hip dysplasia research, information and available support.
Your feelings are important and it is suggested, “…remember that in spite of the fact that your child’s hips are the center of your universe now, this will not always be the case.” And there is more hope: “Everything takes longer than it ought to, and facing the weeks and months of treatment ahead is daunting. As you and your child develop routines, life…becomes easier to manage.”
One mother, Heather, is grateful for her daughter’s teaching her so much through many surgeries and treating her daughter, Delaney’s severe hip dysplasia. Heather says she has learned these things, to name a few:
- “To slow down and enjoy things in ’baby steps.’”
- PATIENCE, PATIENCE, and more PATIENCE!
- The actual meaning of strength and perseverance – not the textbook version.
- That heroes can be three feet tall!
- That I am stronger than I thought.”