Happy Feet

Marcus 1 week old September 2007

For my more recent followers, you may or may not know that our eldest son Marcus was born, with a club foot (a deformity which causes the foot to appear as if it is rotated internally at the ankle). We were completely shocked and had no idea because it was not caught during the ultra sound. Needless to say, I was not only exhausted physically, after labor, but the next few days that followed I was emotionally drained.

I was a little heart-broken, but mainly for my brand new, perfect little baby. After the initial shock and many tears, I knew that this was just the way it was going to be. So, I pulled myself together for my family, for Marcus and learned all about his club foot. I educated myself, told my friends and family and found a fantastic Dr. (Laurel Saliman, Swedish Orthopedic Specialist).

In the beginning I couldn't even look at the pictures of other children's feet on the pamphlets, it simply made me uneasy. But as time went one, I knew that we were lucky because his case wasn't so severe. Only his left foot, and I knew it really could have been a lot worse.

Marcus' first cast '07

After one week following his birth, he was placed in a series of set casts (up to the thigh to protect his knee). We did this process for about 3 months. On the final cast Dr. Saliman cut Marcus' Achilles tendon, casted his foot in a proper position and allowed it to re-attach. It was traumatic for Cameron and I since Marcus was awake and we each took on a limb to hold him down.

removing his cast at home, in the bathroom sink

After the 3 months of casts he was placed in "special shoes" (with the bar between) for another 3 months, straight, 23 hours a day. This was extremely difficult and is when we really had to trust our Dr., each other, and know that if we didn't do this, there was potential for relapse. This procedure is less abrasive, but very, very slow; taking anywhere from 3-5 years. In previous years, all the bones were broken and re-set usually causing arthritis at a very young age.

special shoes

Since Marcus was 6 months old he has worn his shoes everyday of his life. Naps and Nights. He is scheduled to do this until the age of 5. (Very expensive little shoes....but worth every penny!)

However, last week we went for our 2 1/2 year check-up. Dr. Saliman was so happy with his progress and foot function, she said she is considering him being done wearing his shoes at age 3. That is less than 6 months away!! If we do, it will be a brief 6 month trial without shoes and hopefully never again.

I left the office, SHOCKED and wondering how WEIRD our life will be without night-time shoes. This has just become the norm, that anything else just seems weird!

Marcus has developed normally walking at 12 months, running, jumping, and tippy-toeing all around. I even catch him walking in his special shoes and jumping around in them. (professional snowboarder/surfer?)


I am just so thankful for all of the experiences to learn and grow from our trials and more importantly our blessings!

Here's a list of some celebrities born with club feet:
TV:
Damon Wayans
Eric Richard
Dudley Moore

Sports:
Troy Aikman
Charles Woodson
Mia Hamm
Miguel Riffo
Kristi Yamaguchi