Two years ago (plus a few days) Matthew had his posterior tibial tendon transfer, calcanial osteotomy, medial release, and some botoxing. This time last year, I was devastated after his surgeon decided Matthew needed more surgery. His foot looked terrible.
I started searching for another option and found first a very large clubfoot group (2600 members), second, a small neuromuscular clubfoot group (now 11 members) , and then Dr Dobbs.
This past year we went from thinking Matthew needed more surgery to correcting his foot through proper castings. I was quite upset thinking Matthew will need yet another cast when we go in two weeks, but looking back, I see we have come so far.
Just not far enough yet.
Here are some comparison pictures.
Jan 21/2008 the night before sugery
March 18/2008 after the casts came off
Jan 22/2009 One year post op
May 18/2009 after 7 weeks of casting with Dr Dobbs
Jan 25/2010 two years post op, signs of regression again.
And for his talus bone, I am convinced we are seeing it again. His foot is supinated
his talus pops out. It is not as bad as it was last year, but it is there.
Talus bone last year.
And talus today. Not the best picture (Matthew was not cooperative this morning) but you can see it.
So now you can see what I am seeing. I am convinced a casting will happen. Now, to let Matthew know what is in store. He will not be happy.
And one last shot for Michelle from
Xandibby and Co. who was asking about stretches.
I do stretch Matthew in his AFO by pushing his foot upwards when his AFO is on. This is the other stretch that I do. By the way, Matthew was really uncooperative this morning and was hiding beside the couch. Oh well, just need the foot for stretching.
I was told to make sure I use my thumbs on his heel and push it down as I push his foot up. That way his talus is in the proper position for stretching. Also, I try hard not to push the middle of his foot. Before I was told I was causing a mid foot break by doing that. Hope that makes sense.