Born without a right hand

[gravoisgal]

My 4 month old granddaughter was bon without a right hand.  The perinatalogist indicated he thought it was a vascular issue rather than ABS.  She has a non functioning wrist and about one quarter of her right hand (kind of like a little paddle hand) with tiny, tiny nubs.  The doctors says her right forearm is not growing at the same rate as her other limbs.  The ped doctor says she will let my son know when Children's Mercy (our children's hospital) wants to see her.  Should they be more pro-active in seeking evaluations at this early stage, to see what lies ahead?  What recommendation is there for a prothestic hand/arm at this stage?  She is a real doll baby and seems to be healthy in every other way. What is the possibility that this could happen with another pregnancy?  It all seems so unfair to an old grandma!

[margypops]

My opinion is that this would be better addressed by an expert, so I have checked out the forums, you may get better answers on the Family Medicine , Expert/Doctor forum it is on the right of the forums page, not the left. Personally my opinion would be to get further evaluations I am a great believer in options. Let us know how she gets on.,I can tell you care ,and it must have been a shock but she is still a delightful child with or without her hand , the experts will know how to help her, so think positively that all will be well, it could be she is too young yet ,anyway ask an expert.Good Luck

[AnnieBrooke]

A friend of mine is a pediatric nurse, and works in the casting room at the local university hospital where they see kids all day getting fitted for protheses and all.  She says the kids take it all in stride, and don't care at all, and that they (the children) usually wind up lifting up the spirits of the whole family.  (She also often sees families pay thirty thousand dollars for a prosthetic, and then kid won't wear it -- especially true if the arm loss is no higher than below the elbow.)  I would be guided by the doctor, and not let your grief lead you to feel it will matter much to your granddaughter.  Take your cues from her as she grows up, don't load her with your concerns, and you'll probably be amazed.