Each week we see a rise in the number of patients and parents we support on their journey towards healthy hips.
For some DDH is picked up early and the condition is corrected when the child spends weeks or months in a Pavlik harness.
For others it is a closed reduction operation and time spent in a spica cast.
In our case, and for many other families, the diagnosis is late and the journey can be a long one.
However, we have spirit and determination, as do our children, and one way or another we all get there in the end.
When I was writing my book, Cast Life, I made friends with some incredible people and that continued as Spica Warrior evolved and became DDH UK.
As we head towards the end of the year we are busier than ever and helping people all over the world and we have created a caring, global community.
The thing is, as well as being the founder of DDH UK, I also have a job, family, two dogs and two books to write and I simply couldn’t do any of this work without our and my team of amazing volunteers Debbie and Karen.
Today, Karen is talking about her story not only as mum to Lauren who has DDH, but also as an amazing women who has had numerous brain operations that have left her disabled and housebound but still wanting to help others.
Karen works at the heart of the organisation and is a buddy support for parents needed extra help.
She is amazing and the world of DDH is a better place because of her.
This is her story.
They say things happen for a reason and that couldn’t be more true!
They told me I couldn’t have kids then miscarriages and then miraculously my precious Lauren was born and it all began 
Lauren was transverse breach as I have a bi-corniate uterus which meant she had reduced space. She had her hips scanned at six weeks and they said all was ok?!
When Lauren started to walk she walked with a waddle. 
She was referred to Mr Huntley at Yorkhill.
He just had to watch her walking to know she had bilateral ddh.
I was totally heartbroken!
Over the course of 18 months Lauren had to endure a closed reduction, open reduction, 2 femoral osteotomies, 2 pelvic osteotomies, numerous cast changes and 18 months in a cast.
Lauren was amazing throughout the whole 18 months!
She walked, jumped, ran and climbed stairs in the cast.
She really kept me going throughout it all.
Kids are truly amazing!
Lauren is now six and doing great!
Her hips are checked annually and she does dancing, gymnastics, ballet and hip hop.
Lauren has inspired me to do what I am doing now!
I love volunteering for DDH UK and helping others through this lonely, difficult journey!
I’ve had a difficult journey parallel to Lauren’s with a brain condition and numerous brain operations leaving me disabled and housebound.
I feel this helps me in my role as buddy to empathise and help others.
I just want to show you it doesn’t matter what life throws at you!! You can do it!! We can do it together!!! I’m a prime example
Thank you so much Karen, Grant and Lauren and keep up the amazing work and dedication.
If you would like support, we are open 24/7, 52 weeks a year at the and would love to see you there.
Natalie and Team DDH UK
Leave a Reply