Introducing the Aldridge Family

[aldridge]

Hi,
We are a family of four - introducing Megan (3 in December), Richard (8 yrs) mum (Nicolette) and dad (Frank). Richard was diagnosed with Perthes last year and we have been in and out of hospital since. Richard was an extremely active little boy playing soccer, cricket, gymnastic, swimming and tennis. He kept on complaining about his leg being sore and we put it down to growing pains. After our holiday in Australia last year and continuous complaining from Richard about his sore leg we took him to the GP who had some x-rays taken.
Cut a long story short, Richard goes for an external hip fixator tomorrow (Wednesday 28/11/2007) and we have been told that this is not going to be a pleasant experience. So after much thought and deliberation as a family (who have had some issues coming to terms with the words "handicapped or disabled") - we thought it time to talk to others and have a little bit of input from people who have first hand experience of Perthes.
Look forward to exchanging ideas and bouncing thoughts in the future.

[gabnhun]

Hello:
My Son, Hunter, was diagnosed with Perthes at Age 8 . Hunter has LCP bilaterally. In January of this year, Hunter had a bilateral Hip Distaction with Bilateral Fixators. It is not a pleasant experience. It is one of those things you just get through. Hunter had Removal at the end of may. Brace 6 weeks fulltime and 2 months part time. Hunter is Now 10 years old. He is walking , running , playing with friends and going to join Baseball next year in the spring.
NONE of this would be possible without the fixators. The first few weeks are terribly difficult but it does get better. Just remember why you are doing this and the outcome you will have. That is what kept us going. If you ask Hunter if he would do it agian, his answer is YES! So that really says it all.
I'd be happy to chat with you.
Noelle

[tanya]

Hi to the Aldridge Family. All the best with the fixator. I trust Richard is home and you are all coping with this huge upheavel.
Tanya - Tauranga, NZ
Samuel - 11

[aldridge]

Well Richard is at home and doing very well - dressing changes have been really good with a bit of crying when the dressings were taken off for the first time since surgery. Richard has opted to have no Pamol and has Brufen twice a day only because he has to. He is getting in and out of bed by himself and walking around the house with his walking frame - needless to say we are flabbergasted by his positive attitude and fighting spirit. He keeps nagging me to take him to school to visit his friends.

After 1 week we are pretty optimistic but it is all thanks to having such a wonderful child.

[Donna Brown]

That is one heck of a kid you have there! Well done to Richard for doing so well - makes it so much easier to cope when your child is leading the way like that.

[greigagain]

Gday to the Aldridge family
Guys lighten up a wee bit, wee richard is neither handicapped or disabled,....
temporarily incapacitated yes but that is it.
He will get over this he will get back to being a mad child again.
Yes this is a bugger of a thing but it is not the end of the world.
I know what you are going through, as I know what my parents went through, the sorrow the grief the guilt, but Richard is the focus now, go with him be positive, re assure him, push him dont molly coddle him.
When I say push him I mean focus on his personallity push him forward and expose him to all the thing he normally would be exposed to.
Let him develop normaly as he will.
It is great to hear he has a strong spirit, keep him that wat as he seems to be inspiration to you all, he will also bo to others, leaders in this life are those who overcome adversity.
Go Richard go
Get in there little mate have fun you know what you can do.
May all the world go with you, as far as you want them to go.
My thoughts my wishes and all the warmth of my heart goes out to all of you,
good luck and let us all know how it is going
Regards
Greig

[tanya]

Hi Aldridge Family,

I hope Richard is still coping well with the fixator. Not too long now before it comes off I guess. I keep meaning to drop Samuel (and Caitlin's) brace off at the hospital as I guess Ian will want him using it when he removes the fixator. How are plans for the new school term?

Tanya.