Hips are ok...but not normal!

So the appointment today did not bring about good news. The xray showed that the left hip is still not as developed as it should be (its better but not normal). The ball of the left hip joint is not the same size as the right, and the socket is steeper than it should be. The goal is for it to form like a normal ball and socket joint with the socket becoming a space for a round "ball" to fit in. At this point, the socket is more steep like this \ but it needs to become more curved like this ) if that makes sense.  So to do that, her hips need to be abducted (held out in a frog like position). The hip grows and forms when held in that position so the best way to maintain that position is to use the hip abduction brace. We have been using it for the past 4 months but not as well as we should have. But we have to get better about it. I don't like it a bit but we just have to do it.

I was so frustrated after the appointment today for a variety of reasons, but regardless of how callous the doctor was, I still know that I have to try to do what is best for Kelsie. And if he says this is the best thing for her, then I have to respect his expert advice. Keeping her in that brace every night, all night, is difficult. And using the best judgement at 2am when she is screaming is not always easy to do, especially considering how poorly she sleeps at night! We understand the reason for it and know we have to do it but its difficult all the same. Its big and cumbersome, not easy to hold when doing chest PT or nursing, uncomfortable for her, and just all around annoying! But we have to figure out a way to get used to it...we don't follow up for another xray for 6 more months!

Of course I had to take pictures of her at the doctor today! :) Trying to entertain her while waiting to be seen...