Ava's Hip Dysplasia Journey: 2015

Friday, June 12, 2015

Happy Birthday Left Hip!!

Wow!! 3 Years!! As Ava told me this morning "It's my left hips birthday! I know it's actually 7 years old like me but it's 3 years that it's fixed. It wants a dress up dress to celebrate!" She cracks me up and I admire that she has taken each and every step in stride. It's been a heck of a 3 years but thankfully the last year has been uneventful and has given us so many reasons to celebrate.

Unfortunately there is no "cure" for hip dysplasia. Come teen years there is a possibility of future surgeries for Ava. We try not to dwell on that and encourage Ava to keep doing what she is doing. She has embraced her "fixed"hips and they have not stopped her from conquering the world. Irish Dancing has become her ultimate therapy. Her flexibility has come a long way and the rotation in the right hips has improved. Every time I watch Ava compete my eyes well up. She has come so far and is so strong!!

Help us celebrate Ava's Hip Birthday and Healthy Hip Awareness Month by raising awareness!!
Did you know????

Hip Dyplsia means that the bones of the hip joints are not aligned correctly.
Hip Dysplasia prevents the hip joints from functioning properly.
Hip Dysplasia causes joints to wear out faster than normal.
Hip Dysplasia affects thousands of children & adults each year.
Hip Dysplasia is a "silient" condition, pain is not ussually felt until later stages.
Approximately 1 of e
very 20 full term babies has hip instability.
Approximately 2-3 out of every 1,000 infants will require treatment.
Many hip dislocations are difficult to treat with the current methods.
Hip Dysplasia in adults is most common cause of hip arthritis.

Want to learn more??? For more information go to http://www.hipdysplasia.org/. Spread the word, early detection is the key!

I am so grateful for Ava's recovery and I look forward to see her continued growth!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, to all the people who cheer Ava on every step of the way! You guys are awesome!!! Way to go Little Butterfly!! LOVE you to pieces!!! XO

Sunday, April 19, 2015

My Little Irish Dancer

It has been three months since my last post. Ava is doing awesome! It's amazing how quicly she is growing and how strong she has become!!

"And though she be but little, she is fierce." ~ Shakespeare

I don't think there is a more fitting quote to describe Ava. In the last few months Ava has come to love Irish Step Dancing. She practices for hours and doesn't stop until she's not getting it wrong. Even though she does not have full rotation in her right hip she pushes herself to move it correctly. In February she competed in her first Feis (Irish dance competition.) We were all so excited but didn't know what to expect. If you have never been to a Feis it is crazy!! There are people everywhere and the girl dance in groups of three until all everyone is done in there age group. I was in awe watching her, she had her game face on! You would never guess in a million years she had both her hips rebuilt! The smile on her face says it all! She is doing what she loves best and she's doing it well! Ava placed 1st in the "Jig" and 2nd in the"Reel". Not bad for a girl who was born with bilateral hip dislocation!

Doing the Jig!

First Feis!

Practicing!

1st &2nd!

In March Ava competed in her second Feis. She placed 1st in the "Jig" and 3rd in the "Reel". Another great job!! Ava was less then happy with the 3rd place. The lack of rotation on her right hips doesn't allow her leg to get as high as the left and throws her timing off. After being upset with her results she became more determined then ever to get a 1st place in the reel. Ava decided she is going to fix her right hip. She stretches, does kids yoga and constantly practices her step. She has goals in mind and working her hardest to achieve them. I have no doubt she will achieve each and every goal! Sometimes when I watch her dance I still get teary eyed, it's hard to believe how far she has come. It's hard to believe 3 years ago she could not walk 5 minutes without complaint, now she is dancing her heart out pain free!

Not quite as happy this time!

Second Feis!

Look at those legs!!

I always tell Ava win or lose she should always be proud of herself. She has come so far and over come so much. I am unbelievably proud of her! Who knows what her future may hold but I pray those hips stay in place forever! With all her determination she will conquer the world! Keep dancing my sweet girl! Make all your dreams come true!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Happy 2015!!!

Hard to believe it has been 8 months since I last posted, no news is good news!! Ava has been incredibly busy and thriving in every way possible. Dr. A said there are no restrictions in her activity and she has embraced it! Since my last post Ava finished her t-ball season, was in a ballet recital, finished kindergarten, ran 1 of 2 miles (walked the rest) in the Hip Hop 5K, started 1st grade, played soccer, is now taking Irish Step Dance, started basketball and has a new found love of roller skating! Whew!! She's an active little girl.

In August Ava had a follow up with Dr. A. Her visit went well and her hips look fantastic. We do not have to return until next July! Yay!! In October she turned 7 and had her well visit with Dr. K, thankfully Ava grew 3 1/2 inches (Yippee!!) but only gained a pound (boo!!). Since there was a significant growth in height there is not as much of a concern with her weight, although we would love to see her put on a few pounds. Dr. K sent her for another bone age x-ray. Ava is still 2 years behind in growth, meaning her bones are the age of a 5 year old and do not match her chronological age of 7. We will get another x-ray in April and if her growth does not change we will be headed back to the endocrinologist to find out our options.

I still find my heart in my throat at times but love that nothing holds Ava back. On occasion she still says her right leg is her "bum leg" but she always manages to push through it. Weather it's watching her play a sport, watching her dance or zoom around the roller skating rink I could not be more proud. She is one amazing little girl and I look forward to finding out the young lady, then adult she will become. She has the world routing for her!