What's in a gene?

It looks like Benjamin has gotten more of my genes than what meets the eye.  Due to my hip dislocation as a child, my children have received extra hips checks after birth.  At 5 weeks old Benjamin was in for an ultrasound scanning of his hips. The numbers weren't quite what they should be so we were asked to come back 5 weeks later in hopes that the numbers would improve on their own.  At this second scanning the numbers had NOT improved and the angles of his legs in the hip socket were still too small.

Therefore we waited another 2 weeks to get called into an Orthopedic specialist, yesterday. The specialist could quickly tell that Benjamin would need to wear a hip brace.  So off to another town we went to get his brace put on.  I was pretty calm about the whole situation.  I myself had to wear a hip brace for most of my first year of life, and well I came out fine from that, being able to run and play sports, etc.  So I was pretty worry free, and thankful for the fact that they caught it already at 3 months.

When we got to the place where Benjamin would get the brace on, a woman greeted us.  Right away she started complaining about how the system was and that it just wasn't right that Benjamin gets his brace on when he is 3 months old. He should have had it on the same week he was born....then everything would be easier. He wouldn't be bothered by it as he couldn't kick at birth the way he can now, he wouldn't get behind in his motor skills as he will now....etc.  She just kept mentioning the negative things, and suddenly my previously positive attitude also became frustrated and sad.  When Benjamin got the brace on, my mood did not improve.  He was not very happy about having to keep his legs in a certain position and screamed for about an hour.  We had to drive home and finally after 15 minutes or so he stopped screaming and fell asleep.  The rest of the day went just fine. He could easily nap and smile like before.  There were just a few times he suddenly started screaming while trying to kick his legs, but we could comfort him rather quickly again.  For the most part he also slept well last night, but had a hard time falling asleep after his feeding, as he couldn't just fall asleep while eating in his new spread legs position.

All in all we are grateful that the situation is under control now.  The specialist said there is a 90% chance for a complete success through using the brace alone.  The first time around Benjamin will need to wear the brace for 6 weeks where we get it adjusted every other week.  Then after the 6 weeks are up, he will have another ultrasound to check for improvements.

Both Søren and I feel bad for our little Benjamin, but he seems to be taking it pretty cool. However, it's never fun to see your child uncomfortable and frustrated.

As you can see in the pictures below it is quite difficult to get pants around those legs...so we will have to figure something out. Maybe go up a few sizes in pants for the next 6 weeks?!