March 29, 2016 "Duke-3rd Opinion"

I don't like to say negative things so I'll just simply say that we were NOT IMPRESSED with our visit to Duke today. The doctor sent in a student first that examined Rayden's feet a little but basically that's all. We are used to that so it didn't really bother us. Dr. Fitch came in and immediately asked if Rayden could walk or stand. Rayden stood against the examining table and the doctor saw how his feet turned in. We started telling him that Rayden had spina bifida and that we had fetal surgery. He immediately got intrigued. He said that he forgot they were doing fetal surgeries at UNC. He asked how I got along with that and several other questions pertaining to the surgery. He wanted to see Rayden's back! (He's an orthopaedic. Why did he want to see his back??) He even asked if he had long leg casts (as if they casted babies any differently!). He never touched his feet!!! When I mentioned that UNC wants to do the Achilles tendon removal surgery he just backed up and said "Yes, I think that's what he needs." We had to lead the entire conversation, which I'm not used to. He never asked us any questions. He seemed to be a little lost with the whole conversation. His answers were short with no explanation at all. (Not like most doctors!) We told him a little about the Shriner's visit and he disagreed with the bowing and thought it was due to having so many casts. He thought it would resolve itself when Rayden started walking. He also agreed that we would have a much better outcome if we cut the Achilles tendon out instead of lengthening it. I asked if this surgery would damper any chances of him being able to feel his feet and he quickly said "No." He assured me that they don't remove any nerves so if he has any sensation then the foot surgery will not cause any deterioration of that.

After three of the exact same opinions we have decided to go ahead with the surgery and scheduled it for May 19. Rayden will be casted two weeks prior to surgery and will remain in casts an addition 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.