Hi,

I have not written in a very long time. I don't even know if I've written in the special needs area.

A little history about us, I have triplet girls that are 8 and an older son who is 10. One of my girls, Danielle, was born with Arthrogryposis which is a joint disease. She had club feet, a dislocated hip and contracted hands. She has had somewhere around 14 surgeries, I lost count if that's possible.

Her feet just never where able to be corrected with surgery, even though they tried many times. So on August 3, Danielle had a bilateral Symes amputation. This is where they amputate her ankles and feet and leave the whole tibia. It's been very difficult and the triplet thing makes it even more difficult. She is identical with Nicole which is difficult because she can see what her limbs should look like. They also are friends with our neighbors and Shannon and Nicole want to go out and play, which they should, but then that leaves Danielle in the house by herself. I try to have one of the girls stay with her, but then I feel bad for that one because she just wants to go out and play. Then I feel bad for Danielle because she says no one wants to play with her.

So I just was curious what other people do with one with a disability and other able bodies triplets without one feeling left out?

Laurel mom to Jimmy 10, Danielle (Symes amputee), Nicole, and Shannon 8

Hi Laurel -

I remember you and your girls story.

We're in a similar situation. Noah has CP and uses a power wheelchair for most activities.

It's hard when the girls want to go do things and Noah can't do them. He spends a lot of time playing computer, playing video games and watching tv. It's not the best situation but there really isn't a choice sometime.

How does Danielle get around? Does she have a wheelchair?

Lori --
Mom to Zac (9/91) and triplets Noah, Karissa & Jazmine (5/98 at 27 weeks)

Lori,

Danielle is in a wheelchair now. She always needs her legs elevated so she spends a lot of time on her bed. Thanks to a gift for Toys R Us, she gat a Nintendo DS which keeps her busy, but she always wants someone to be with her. For me it's hard because I work full-time and then try to keep the house running. Hopefully when school starts things will be different.

Laurel
mother to Jimmy 10/1/96,
Danielle (Symes amputee) and Nicole (monoamniotic identicals), and Shannon (fraternal)
born 31 weeks on 3/7/99