My daughter is nine years old. She is an absolutely beautiful child who was born with PFFD. She is a uni and it affects her right leg. We recently (the beginning of April) went through her third surgery. She has had 2 hip surgery's and the most recent was the Van Nes Rotation Plasty. We were blessed to have one of the physicians who is tops in this particular surgery perform it. Dr Krajbich is an absolutely fabulous doc! We took a long time to really weigh out all the options from lengthening to amputation. We discussed in many conversations with our daughter as to if she had any opinions on the decision. We decided upon the rotation plasty after many long nights and lots of lost sleep. We felt that this would really give her the greatest mobility. I know that each child is different with a world of variables as well, but are there any parents or older girls/women who have also gone through all of the stuff that has any advice? We are begining to enter the pre-teen world soon and as a 'normal' girl it was hard enough. I would like to help her as much as possible w/out being too momish. I hope to avoid the boy/girl thing as long as possible but I know it will be here before I can blink:).
Comments
Teen Stuff
Don't stress about teen stuff. Of course there is always a few boys who will steer clear due to disability, but they aren't anyone that you want your daughter to date. Occasionally, boys will even steer clear because their families tell them to do so because the family is afraid of the extra stress and if it is genetic....but once again, when serious relationships start, your daughter won't want a boy who does everything his family says. She will want a man who will make decisions in her best interest.
My disability affects three limbs so it is very noticeable. However, it was always my teen experience that teen boys were more interested in two things. 1) Finding a girl who will actually agree to like them and 2)boobs. Most girls (even disabled girls) eventually have boobs so the teen boys typically cannot care any less about feet, legs, arms....well, you get the point!
If anything, look forward to the boys that you won't meet and didn't want too. Plus most likely, she will date a lot of great guys, I know I did.
Don't Sweat It
I totally understand your concerns. Truthfully, they're valid concerns. I'm a a 16 year old guy, and am fairly good looking, i suppose.Still, girls really don't see to show much interest in me. I'm always the "friend". That sentiment seems to be echoed by many other teens like me and you daughter that i know. It does have it's up side however. The few people that you find that actually see me in a romantic light are the best kind, because they like me for my personality. It'll be hard for her at times, but it'll work out fine in the end.