Prayers for Caleb

Just thought I would write a post about my baby and ask you for your prayers.  When Caleb was born we noticed he has very flexible hips.  When we would sit him somewhere his feet would lay completely flat. [See pictures at left ] We just figured he was our little noodle boy, and loose at the joints.

 Since Caleb starting crusing (right after he started crawling, at around 9 months) his feet have also rotated so he is almost walking on his ankles.  We just watched for a few months to see what would happen.  Kids foot bones are still being developed for the first few years of their lives so we made sure to keep him in flexible soled shoes or barefoot.  Over the last month I have been thinking about taking him to see a podiatrist.  So I called on Monday and made an appointment. 

They had an opening for Wednesday morning so we went in.  The Dr. looked at his feet and hips for about 5 minutes and she knew right away that he needed more help than she could give him. She said she thinks his hips play a part but that his left foot had "club like" qualities. [I have looked around and found a more acurate picture, Talipes Valgus, and his is a little more severe than in the picture]  When he was born it wasn't like that which is another reason she thinks the hips play a part.  So she is in the process of referring us to Scottish Rite Hospital here in Dallas.  We were a little shocked because I was just thinking he might need special shoes or at the most braces.  We are supposed to hear something by Friday about who to contact to set up an evaluation there.

So, we are still trying to wrap our brains around what all this means and how comfortable we are with it all.  We are not quick to rush to the Dr. for just any reason (except our Chiropractor, love them and trust them, I'll go to them at the drop of a hat!) But we "wait and see" for most everything.  So the possibility of him needing surgery was NOT the direction I was thinking.  We are praying for peace and direction.  I don't know how long the normal referral process is for Scottish Rite, but if that is what we are supposed to do I'm praying for a super expedited timeline, and if it isn't, then things will get clogged in the works as we look at other possibilities.  (we are going to see Dr. Jim Bob,our chiropractor, see link above) next week to get his opinion of the situation.  We would so appreciate any prayers for us as we navigate these uncharted (for us) waters. 

And since we are on the subject of Caleb and Dr's and prayer there is another issue that we are getting checked out next month.  Since about 9 months one of Caleb's eyes occasionally turns in.  Usually when he is tired, concentrating, or watching things come into his mouth.  At first I just watched it but after a few months it would seem to get stuck and he couldn't fix it.  It still only happens when he is tired or watching things come into his mouth, but after researching on the internet (good old Google!) my "Professional" opinion is he has what's called Strabismus.  The muscles in his one eye lose their ability to control the eye, which in his case make his other eye turn in slightly as he tries to focus.  

At first we tried to get him to focus on something farther away and he seemed to correct it.  Now if we cover the good eye he seems to be able to correct the "bad" one.  So again, from what I have read and heard from a few people is that he might only need an eye patch for a while.  (you'd better believe I'm going to pirate out everything he owns!) However, after my incorrect diagnosis of Caleb's feet I am trying to just wait and see what the Dr. says.  Our appt. is on July 7th (it was a 6 week wait to get in!) 

This is the first time we have dealt with any real medical "problems." We truly believe that God is still a healer and nothing is impossible for Him.  Again, if that is the path he has for us we have faith and will walk in that.  Will you believe and pray for the same? What an amazing testimony it would be.  And if he chooses to use Dr.'s to fix these issues we will believe for complete healing for Caleb as well.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.