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AIBU?

AIBU to use NHS resources if I'm not sure DD needs it?

29 replies

NannyPlumForPM · 30/07/2014 22:40

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place for talipes questions but I'll give it a go!

Dd has club foot and after the casting stage is now on the boots and bar stage....My little girl was started on the Markell boots (white with laces and one buckle, with a detachable bar) but had a lot of problems. She slips in the size medium 00 boots and a second pair of markell small 00 boots were too small so her toes got blisters from being on the end ...... BUT these medium boots are getting a little more wearable now- they still slip 3-4 times a day but we are managing with grippy socks etc.

I am pretty sure that when I go for my next appointment , my physio has said shewill probably end up measuring me for the Mitchell boots if these are still causing blisters.

Should I stay with the markell boots which are ok, not perfect but usable- ( and cost only £50 per pair for the NHS) or risk the Mitchell boots which I have heard better things about and are made to measure I think (but cost the NHS around £300 per pair) Please help :)

OP posts:
Spurtle · 30/07/2014 22:42

No question. You do what's best for your DD. If there's a chance the expensive ones will be better, try them.

Northernlurker · 30/07/2014 22:43

Your child has boots which don't fit properly and she is being supplied with boots by the NHS due to her genetic condition. OF COURSE she and you are entitled to the more expensive boots if they will be better for her. The resources are there for her. Don't think twice. Hope the new boots are better.

NannyPlumForPM · 30/07/2014 22:43

Oh that's a nice response - I was concerned I was being very pfb about it! :)

OP posts:
nocoolnamesleft · 30/07/2014 22:48

It is a problem with kids' feet growing so fast...but absolutely you should contact them about it. Your dd will have the best result from her casting etc if she has the right kit now. And getting the best outcome possible is not only best for your dd, it could well also save nhs money in the long term. Go for it.

WooWooOwl · 30/07/2014 22:49

Can't say I know much about club foot and boots needed, but if the physio suggests something that she thinks will be better for your dd, and you respect her advice, then of course you should go for the better boots.

It's not entirely your decision anyway, the physio will have a responsibility to do what's best, and as a parent, you are automatically obliged to do what ever is in the best interests of your child's health.

This is not wasting NHS resources, it's letting the NHS do what it's meant to do.

Mrsjayy · 30/07/2014 22:49

I had to wear boots for a while when I was a child after corrective surgery they were clumpy if I remember right and heavy Imagine your dd clumpimg about uncomfy get what she needs not what you think will save money

WalkWithTheLonelyOnes · 30/07/2014 22:49

OP I'm not going to pretend to know anything about your daughter's condition but I imagine that it would cost the NHS less in the long run for her to be fitted properly than have boots that don't fit and cause problems in the long run

ExitPursuedByAKoalaBear · 30/07/2014 22:50

Get the best you can for her.

PatSharpesfabulousmullet · 30/07/2014 22:51

When it comes to getting the best medical care/equipment for your little one I don't think anyone would suggest it's pfb syndrome! Explore all the options until you find what suits her best, it's what the nhs is there for ??

PatSharpesfabulousmullet · 30/07/2014 22:53

Ooops, wrong emoticon! New to using this on my phone. Lol.

gobbin · 30/07/2014 22:59

Flippin 'eck don't even think twice about it!

My treatment involves infusions every eight weeks which cost £1000 EACH. £300 for boots is a tiny amount for the NHS, go for it.

ICanSeeTheSun · 30/07/2014 23:06

Yanbu if your DD needs them she needs them.

Thenapoleonofcrime · 30/07/2014 23:16

Of course your dd must have the other boots if there is a chance that they fit her better and are medically indicated. Your dd totally deserves the best boots for her, and the ones recommended for her- I feel a bit sad that you would think otherwise even though it makes a change (I am a very pushy parent so it's hard to remember not everyone is like that). You sound lovely but remember, you both deserve the best treatment.

Pico2 · 30/07/2014 23:30

If the NHS didn't think it was worth supplying the more expensive boots then they wouldn't be available on the NHS. The availability indicates that they are the right solution for some children, your daughter might well be one of them.

steppemum · 30/07/2014 23:31

get the ones that fit. The fit is what matters, not the price

Leeds2 · 30/07/2014 23:47

Go for the ones that fit properly.

JaneFonda · 31/07/2014 00:21

Gosh OP, this is why we pay our taxes - so people like your DD can have the right treatment that they need.

I would hate to think that anyone would feel they had to go without just because it's a slightly more expensive option. For the record, £300 is nothing to the NHS, do not worry.

BittersweetSymphony · 31/07/2014 00:32

Of COURSE YANBU. Your daughter needs the best fit for her feet.

saladcreamwitheverything · 31/07/2014 00:41

My DS is 2.5 and has talipes too. We have had the Mitchell boots since he was about six months and they are so much better than the Markells. He was forever slipping out of the Markells even with no socks on!

They do cost the NHS more than the white ones, but it's false economy to be worrying about that if her current ones aren't fitting correctly and your DD ends up having to have surgery!

The correct treatment is what our wonderful NHS is for Smile

helenenemo · 31/07/2014 00:47

Try them. 100%

helenenemo · 31/07/2014 00:47

Try them. 100%

MysteriousCircusZebra · 31/07/2014 00:51

You get the best you can for her.

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BeaLola · 31/07/2014 01:01

Go for the recommended boots by the experts ..... Do not think about the cost ... It will cost more if they had to operate. If they cost £300 they cost £300 so be it. As someone paying taxes etc i would want the best care for your DD. Its essential for her condition. BTW as I have never seen these boots do they only come in white ? Sorry if that sounds a daft
Question but was wondering if they donthem in different colours like they do plaster casts for children ?

helenenemo · 31/07/2014 01:30

Also, no one ever knows that they need NHS resources before they use them

SalemsCity · 31/07/2014 01:32

Bless you for worrying, what a sweet op. This is what the nhs is there for. No one would begrudge your daughter the more expensive boots. No one.

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