New hope...

On October 1st, we had a consultation in Munich with Dr. Paley (a world-renowned orthopedist who primarily treats fibular hemimelia – Antosia’s condition). This was supposed to be our last consultation, because how long can you keep traveling just for consultations…

In Poland, we visited supposedly the most outstanding doctors, professors, and pediatric orthopedists. We went to Sosnowiec, Kraków, Poznań, and Warsaw. Everywhere we heard that the prognosis was uncertain, and nowhere did we receive any concrete treatment plan. Everywhere we heard that the child was small and serious surgeries take time… The plan was to straighten the tibias (just so they would be straight in case of amputation). In writing, we only received an opinion from Poznań stating that “the right leg will never be functional,” with a proposed amputation date before the child’s 5th birthday.

Reading stories of parents praising Dr. Paley, I used to think these reviews were so American, a bit exaggerated, all ending with a happy ending. I was slightly skeptical that there could be such a vast difference in opinions… But well, if there is hope, you have to try. We tried, and I don’t regret it. Dr. Paley presented us with a treatment concept. He spoke about his experience and the treatment plan he proposes for Antosia.

The doctor is convinced that Antosia will do very well walking, and even running. Her gait will be aesthetic, and functionally her legs will work as well as top-class prosthetics. Since 1996, he has treated over a thousand children with fibular hemimelia using his method with great success, including over 70 with the bilateral condition. The only limitation for our child might be jumping… But we aren’t particularly worried about that… She doesn’t have to be a volleyball player. 🙂

Everything is wonderful, except for the cost of the surgeries. They will hover around a MILLION zlotys. We will receive a detailed cost estimate by email once the doctor returns to the U.S. But we aren’t worrying about that for even a second. Right now, I am so happy that a chance has appeared, that there is hope, that I feel like I could move mountains…:)