Talipes Information and Parental Support Group
Chris' Story
TIPS Newsletter May 1998
Chris Delpol
by Chris’s mum, Sharon
I am not a newcomer to TIPS, I went to a couple of meetings in Box Hill shortly after my
boy Chris was born with BCTEV (bi-lateral talipes equinovarus). Due to pressures of
driving to the Royal Childrens Hospital from Yarra Junction, family problems with my
in-laws, and work pressures, I didn't return. I would still find it very difficult
to attend the support group in Box Hill, although I very much want to keep up with
information.
Chris has just turned 4 (Nov. 97). He hasn't had any AFO's in the past year,
but his left foot seems to have been turning back to me, at least. The last visit to his
specialist in April 97, I remarked on this, but didn't really seem to be given any
attention, other than "it'll be alright." Not really knowing otherwise, I
accepted this. However, lately, Chris has been in a lot of pain in his left ankle
(and being four, can really tell us about it!!!!), and doesn't seem to be able to cope
very well with walking even intermediate distances (I can tell when he's "woosing
out" and when he really can't make it). He also seems to trip a lot over his
left foot.
We didn't know Chris had BCTEV until 10 minutes after he was born. Dr Harry was
wonderful and supported myself, my husband (who really needed it) and my parents with a
lot of information and encouragement that Chris really could have a normal life. He went
into plaster on his second night, then into Brown boots (? - it was a long time ago), then
through a series of AFO's - Chris seemed to have an allergic reaction with the plastic
used and had a lot of sores. He was also somewhat of a
Houdini - I would check him in the night, and his AFO's would be off. I'm still not
sure if it was him doing it, or his sister Cara, who hated anything that hurt her little
boy. Anyway, the braces etc. didn't do the job properly and he had surgery on both
feet at 7 months, returning at 8 months for the pins to be taken out. Then it was back to
AFO's etc. for the next 12 - 18 months. It was (and still is) difficult up here with no
support - nobody really understands what Club Feet is - I even had little old women (for
want of a nastier term) accusing me of somehow causing it whilst I was pregnant. Now
I know that this is not the truth, but it still hurts.
Throughout all of this, Chris has been a marvelous trouper, children often are though,
aren't they? A few weeks ago, when my friend was leaving the shop I run, she called
to Chris, "See you later, when your legs are straighter!" (She didn't mean
anything nasty). Chris stomped his little legs and indignantly told her, "MY
LEGS ARE STRAIGHT! I'VE HAD OPERATIONS, YOU KNOW!!" It goes to show, that
he knows what's going on, though.
Chris has his next appointment at the RCH in April. I hope I can be stubborn enough to get
answers this time over his left foot. I have to be. After all, it's not my
life, is it?
He also has bowel-function problems, which all in all, creates an interesting little
person to deal with. I am grateful that he has such strength in that he's been able
to cope with what's been heaped on his plate. I only wish that I was as courageous as my
little man.
Thanks for providing me with the opportunity to "talk" with somebody who
understands and knows what I'm going through. The internet is probably the only
place where I can get information of Club Feet.
Updated 1 October 1998
Chris has been back to see his specialist since May, and we have been told he will
have to have tibia rotations as his knees and lower legs are crooked (for want of a better
explanation - I'm only Mum!). Chris is fairly well o.k. with this, but sometimes he asks
me if it's going to hurt. How do you tell a little boy that yes, it will hurt, but it's
for his own good? I feel so cruel putting him through it. His (paternal) grandfather says
I should ignore what the specialists say, that there is nothing wrong with him, and has
been telling Chris that he doesn't have to have the surgery. I could brain him!
Christopher is 5 next month and does understand now what is going on. Is there anybody out
there who could tell me what life is like going through tibia rotations, as a
parent/carer? I'd like to be prepared ... On another subject, Chris is still undergoing
tests (gastroenterologists, neurologists, etc) to determine the cause of his bowel
function problems. They are now wondering if it could also be tied in with his talipes. We
are down at the RCH every three weeks at the moment for his bottom, but we don't have to
see his specialist for his legs until February - it's a bit of a break for his legs!
(Pardon the pun).