63. Doctor Google to Dr. Paley: A Mom's Medical Detective Story

The Q&A Files

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Imagine hearing that your unborn child is missing a bone in their leg. Then imagine doctors telling you the only option is amputation. This is where Courtney Brown's story begins—a testament to the power of maternal intuition, faith, and the transformative impact of asking for a second opinion.
Courtney takes us through the emotional rollercoaster that began at her 20-week ultrasound when technicians discovered her daughter Kinley was missing her right fibula bone. With minimal guidance from her medical team, she embarked on her own research journey and discovered the condition was called fibular hemimelia. After Kinley's birth, multiple consultations with specialists led to the same conclusion: amputation before her first steps.
But six days before the scheduled surgery, Courtney couldn't ignore the persistent voice urging her to seek another perspective. Her eleventh-hour email to Dr. Paley, a specialist she'd only read about online, changed everything with his response: "I can fully correct Kinley's leg so she can run, jump, walk and play."
What unfolds is a beautiful narrative of faith, medical innovation, and a mother's unwavering advocacy. We explore the emotional challenges of handing a 19-month-old over for complex surgeries, the physical toll of recovery, and the incredible milestone of watching Kinley wear her first pair of shoes on both feet. Now preparing for her third of four planned surgeries, Kinley is thriving as an active second-grader involved in theater, art, and learning guitar.
Beyond the medical journey, Courtney offers powerful insights for anyone navigating healthcare challenges: trust your gut, don't be afraid to ask hard questions, connect with others walking similar paths, and remember that primary care physicians can be invaluable allies in coordinating complex care.
Have questions about medicine, mental health, nutrition, relationships or want to share your story? Reach out to [email protected] and join our community of curious, informed listeners who keep asking the right questions.

Chapters

1. Welcome to The Q&A Files (00:00:00)

2. Meet Courtney: Executive Leader & Mother (00:04:25)

3. Learning About Kinley's Diagnosis (00:09:25)

4. Finding Dr. Paley & Avoiding Amputation (00:17:57)

5. The First Surgery Experience (00:27:03)

6. Recovery Process & Building Community (00:36:37)

7. Milestones & Shoes: Moments of Victory (00:44:47)

8. The Value of Advocacy & Primary Care (00:50:42)

9. Closing Thoughts & Program Information (01:00:53)