Monday, March 30, 2009

A long day

For the first time ever, I had to drag Matthew out of bed. I woke him up and he said "no, Mommy", rolled over and went back to sleep. Poor kid. Both of us laid awake last night after little sleep the night before and a long day.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 am and were called back immediately for forms, wt, ht, x-rays, photos, then into an exam room for more forms.

We were seen by a few nurses before Dr. Dobbs came in. I have to say, what everyone says about him is true. He is a very nice, understanding and knowledgable man.

He asked for Matthew's history then examined his foot. I am too tired to remember how the converstation went so below is what I remember, in no paticular order.

Yes, he is tight and his foot needs to be moved over. Casting and intensive p/t should do that. He may need the tenotomy again, but Dr. Dobbs will wait to see how tight he is after casting. Yes, Matthew is in a full leg cast, red this time. Photos to follow when I return home.

Yes, his extra ankles is the bottom of his talus bone protruding out. There is no new bone being laid down. No damage has been done. After this first cast, it should not be visible any more.

He feels that with this set of casting, possible tenotomy, intensive p/t and a new AFO his foot should hold in position for the long term. Yay!

He is pleased at how much motion his tendon that was transfered has. Yay!

He is willing to work with Matthew's current surgeon if I want. I explained that I may have burned a few bridges there and not sure if we can do that.

He is also willing to work with our p/t and our orthotist.

Even better then this news, Matthew made a friend. His new buddy is 7 and has a right clubfoot that seems to be regressing. They met in the x-ray department and by the time we were having a surgical tour, they were best buddies. They both got casts and are scheduled to be back on the same day for a cast change. I told his mom about haven house. She was very interested, maybe they will stay here together next time. I think this is the first time Matthew has seen another child the same age with the same problem. It was so wonderful to see them together.

So our next few weeks looks like this. This cast stays for 2 weeks. We come back here on Easter Sunday for a cast change Easter Monday. Then we stay for the next 3 weekly cast changes. Dr. Dobbs feels that 4 casts should do it, but that is an estimate. At that point, he may or may not need a tenotomy. If he does, it will mean three weeks in that cast before removal. Then, intensive p/t.

It is 3 pm, we are both tired and hungry. Matthew wants to go back up to the room. It is going to be early dinner then bed for tonight. We have a driver picking us up at 6:15 am for the airport. We have 58 min between flights tomorrow, if we make it we should be home by 1:30 tomorrow. Then I have to arrange everything for our next trip.

Will update with photos when I can.

6 comments:

Jenn M said...

Sounds like a very eventful day.

And it also sounds like you did the right thing :)

FindingAnge said...

I'm so glad to hear that it was a positive visit, and wonderful about the new friend!

Have a good night, and safe trip tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't it feel great to have a game plan? To know what the next steps are, to know that this doc has been there done that and can help you! I know all of your tiredness will wear off and there will be enthusiasm that you are on the right track! So glad he found a same age CF buddy too. It's alot for the next few months, but it will be worth it. That's also awesome news that he was happy with the movement from the PTTT. Maybe our paths will cross in June! :)Is he going back to theh hinged AFO? Can't wait to catch up! Jamie

Jennifer said...

Sounds like a wonderful day! Tiring, but wonderful. Full of possibilities and a plan. Hope you are feeling good about things. I think you made a good choice Jo-Ann! {hugs} Have a safe trip home!

Mama J. said...

Wow...everything sounds quite positive... and I am so happy Matthew has made a new friend who he can identify with...

Hope you have a good night's sleep and that you get home quickly tomorrow.


(((HUGS)))

Chikki said...

I love how Matthew found a friend with a similar type issue...it must make him feel nice that there is someone else with a foot issue that needs to wear a cast.

You are so strong...I don't know how strong I would be seeing my baby at that age wearing casts! But in the long run this time will be just a glimmer I suppose.