Daniel's Latest X-Ray

Daniel had an x-ray taken in the UK on Friday which we emailed to Dr Paley in the US. He advised that everything looks fine and it is all in a good position which is great news. We will have another x-ray in another month.

Here is a close up photo of Daniel's fixator which you can see in the x-ray. We took one with bandages on so it is not too graphic for those with weak stomachs (namely Grandpa Budge!)

It has been six weeks since the operation and Daniel is doing really well. He crawling around a lot now. It has been great for Max having a crawling partner, they have become really good buddies! Daniel has returned to nursery two days a week which has motivated him to become more active and distracts him from his fixator. He still has some pain but knows to have a little rest before moving about again. Daniel had a plaster mould taken of his leg on Friday to build him a new prosthetic. We are very excited because he is now big enough to have a real prosthetic foot with toes!

Posted By Kristen Rigby (Daniel's Mum)

The NHS & Dr Paley

National Health Service (NHS)

I feel that I have not said enough about the UK's National Health Service (NHS). For those overseas, the NHS is the public health system in the UK.

Shane and I are so thankful to the NHS (Westminster PCT) for funding Daniel's surgery, a significant cost. We are so grateful that the NHS was willing to look globally and recognised that the best outcome for Daniel's hip was outside the UK.

The process for applying for the funding went very smoothly. The NHS's Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) advised us about the process and who to submit our application to. Shane and I, with the support of Daniel's orthopedic consultant, Mr Peter Calder at Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, submitted an application to the NHS (Westminster PCT) which was reviewed by a panel which considers exceptional cases. The panel approved the funding. It was elevated to another committee due the magnitude of cost which also agreed that Daniel's best option was to have surgery with Dr Paley in the USA. Once approved, the NHS liaised directly with the hospital which meant that we could just concentrate on Daniel.

Thank you NHS!

Dr Paley - Daniel's Surgeon in the USA

Here is a news clip that was shown on FOX news in the USA this week about Dr Paley helping a little girl, Eva, with the same condition as Daniel. It gives a really balanced report about the lengthening process and the next stage for Daniel.

Posted By Kristen (Daniel's Mum)