All we want for Christmas are Healthy Hips

You may be familiar with a video on the Pinkoddy YouTube Channel about Signs and experiences of DDH – Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip from Emma .

Well Emma went on to tell me about how her friend Natalie has written a book, to further help raise awareness. Therefore I am offering my little corner of the web up to Natalie to tell you more about it:

All we want for Christmas are Healthy Hips

As I write this my six year old is playing Minecraft on the iPad, just like many other little boys.
But Lucas isn’t quite like most other little boys.

He is pretty extraordinary with sprinkling of bravery.

Lucas has Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) and after his 4th operation he is currently recovering broken pelvis that has been realigned and pinned in place.

All we want for Christmas are Healthy Hips

He will spend Christmas using his wheelchair and walking frame unable to weight bare.

In January we hope our surgeon will say the operation has gone to plan and he will be able to learn to walk again.

We don’t think it is the last operation he will need but we do hope it is one step closer to a life free of disability, pain and hip replacements.

DDH occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit snugly together.

According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute approximately 1 in 20 full-term babies has some hip instability and between one and three in every 1,000 infants will require treatment for DDH.

Whilst this isn’t a small number any means I’m pretty sure many people reading this will never of heard of it and will hopefully never have to deal with it either.

All we want for Christmas are Healthy Hips

One thing that struck me from the moment our journey started was the lack of awareness, information and support for parents dealing with DDH. After recovering from the shocking diagnosis I went on the hunt for books and websites that would help us navigate the murky waters of DDH but instead found horror stories and distressing images.

As we have gone along the treatment route, I have always had the nagging feeling that more help need to be out there and it was Lucas’ bravery, smile and spirit that inspired me to write CastLife: A Parent’s Guide to DDH. My first book was published in October and will hopefully offer other parents the lifeline I so desperately needed all those years ago.

Professor N. M. P. Clarke ChM, DM, FRCS Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who wrote the foreword for Cast Life, commented, ““DDH is one of the most common congenital abnormalities and it is remarkable that there is so little information out there. This book is essential reading for the parents of children with the condition, as well as health professionals working with them, and I would love to see it in all clinics around the world.”

The book covers everything from symptoms and explanations of the condition to details of the treatments involved.  It doesn’t bombard the reader with medical jargon, but equips them with the knowledge and facts they need to understand and get to grips with DDH.

All we want for Christmas are Healthy Hips

My own experiences, those of other parents and expert advice help cover family dynamics and relationships as well as the emotions that can be experienced. I have always been mindful of my older son, Eddie, who has never once complained of the attention his brother receives but I know it has been tough on him and my husband and I hope the book illustrates these feelings too.

I hope the words reach out to the readers and shows them that whilst DDH isn’t life threatening, it can be challenging and tough but things will be OK and your child will recover.

Cast Life is available now on Amazon and further details about DDH can be seen at Spica Warrior, a charity I have set up to support and empower families.

Natalie Trice is an author, blogger and freelancer writer.  As a mummy, wife, cat and dog owner she doesn’t get much free time but when she does she’ll be found drinking coffee, reading glossy magazines and dreaming of living by the sea. Lover of heals, wearer of trainers, she has many dresses but mainly wears gym gear.

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