A few nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night with the words “Swash brace” in my mind. I quickly booted up the ipad and looked it up again, and the moment I read up on the swash brace I knew that was the answer to Nathan’s hip problems. I had mentioned the Swash to Nathan’s orthopedic doctor whom we saw about a month ago, but he said no.

So I started squeaking – I called the doctor’s office and started leaving messages. On day 3 of leaving 2 messages every day, I decided to call Nathan’s orthotist, who fitted him with the Hart Walker. I asked him about the swash brace and he was in complete agreement with me. He felt that Nathan would greatly benefit from the swash brace.

Also, the doctor had prescribed a DAFO that was fixed and had no hinge, preventing movement of the ankle and foot. I told him I didn’t agree with him at the meeting, but he insisted. So I asked Jason the orthotist about this DAFO and he once again agreed with me on making a hinged DAFO for Nathan. So I squeaked again mentioning to the doctor that Nathan’s orthotist agreed with my treatment plan. By day 5 I’d spoken with his assistant, posited my theory for using the swash and hinged dafo, and gotten an agreement from her and the orthopedic doctor.

Today, we went to see the orthotist and Nathan was measured for his SWASH brace and his hinged DAFO’s. He should be receiving both of these in 2-4 weeks. I am super excited and think this will give Nathan more freedom of movement!

Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel and do your own research or doctors may not make the best choices for your children.

I asked Jason the orthotist about why the doctor hadn’t devised this treatment plan, how come I figured it out even though I am not medically trained. He told me it’s because the doctors always work towards the lowest common denominator. The doctor didn’t think Nathan had any potential for movement so he simply created a treatment plan devised at keeping him stretched. He wasn’t concerned about function. He didn’t see potential for functional movement in Nathan. But I see potential in him so I am glad I have no problems being the squeaky wheel.

BE the squeaky wheel…there’s no shame in that!

PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM. Pray for a quick recovery. Pray for health.

Right now we are trying to keep him at home but tomorrow we may have to go to emergency.

Thank you for your prayers, we really appreciate your help for our little heroe.