Check it out!
Yup, shoes fits... but I am not going to be wearing it. This is
Matthew's newest sandal complete with lift courtesy of my man Tony.
When did this kid grow so fast?
Showing posts with label lift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lift. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Really Good Update
Onto an update. A Really good update. Which, after almost a year since the last time seeing Dr. Dobbs, is really remarkable.
The following is the email I sent to Dr. Dobbs and Kristina Porter.
Hi Dr. Dobbs and
Kristina Porter,
It has been quite
awhile since Matthew has been in to see you. I believe his last appointment was
June 29, 2011. Right now, his foot is looking really good and was not sure when
I should bring him down again. Although I love to come down and see everyone
and hear that his foot is great, it is a long expensive trip to find out all is
well. If it is possible, I would love to send photos and video and have you let
me know if you think there is a problem and if he needs to come
in.
Anyways, here is
what he is doing right now.
The shoes that he
wears the majority of the time have a lift in the left shoe.
He wears his AFO at
school Monday to Friday, but doesn't wear it all the time on the weekends. We
do E-stim at home a few times a week as well as I try to stretch him at
home.
He does physio once
a week, where he gets their stronger E-stim machine, stretching and kinesio
taping that I leave on for about 3 days.
We are working on
getting him to walk heel toe rather then toe heel (out of his AFO). It comes
out as a flat foot hitting the ground rather then a true heel
strike.
He can lift his foot
to neutral, and I can stretch it to maybe 5 degrees above. I think his
physiotherapist can get it higher. I can check with him for
you.
He is still getting
more lateral motion.
I am noticing the
front of his foot is turning in a bit, but his talus is still in proper
position.
I am sending along
photos and a few links to video of him moving his foot and walking if that can
help with your assessment. If you need more angles (or better ones) please let
me know.
Lifting his foot as
high as he can
Lifting and then
turning his foot.
Walking (front view)
trying to walk heel toe.
Walking (side
view)
Let me know what you
think of his foot as well as when you think he needs to come
back.
Thanks
I received great news after that email. Dr. Dobbs was impressed by his foot and feels that he doesn't need to go back this June. In fact, he said this
I
think Matthew looks great; you can hold off in coming back at this time.
Following with video is very useful. He has made good progress. How does he
tolerate the e-stim at this time? Has he had an MRI of both legs done at some
point?
We
can post-pone follow-up for another year. Just keep me posted as to his
progress.
All
the best,
Matthew
Dobbs, MD
Another YEAR?!?! To me, those are words I thought I would NEVER hear!
Now the doubting Thomas in me says that we can hold off for now, but will most likely be back in the fall. But for now, those have been the best words I have heard about his foot in... well.... forever. I let Matthew read the email and he did a jump and shout "yay". Even he realizes how great that news is.
So for now, we are on the high of good news. And on to baseball season. Matthew just may pitch this year. More on that later. For now, we need to savior and celebrate.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
He's Got Rider Pride
We are back from St. Louis. These 36 hour visits are tough on us both.
So some answers. First, yes. He is again in a cast. This time, green and black (there is no white) for his favorite CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As you can see, he is a very proud Rider fan.
It is a full leg cast. The last time we did a half leg cast and honestly, everyone involved from myself to Dr Dobbs to Steve who we saw today, feels it was of no benefit. Sadly, it will be the last half leg cast.
Now for the answers.
The callous that has been developing on his heel is purely skin. YAY!!! Did you hear me scream YAY at about 8 am yesterday? It was that much of a relief.
This is what the callous looks like. You can see by the shape why I thought that it could be bone being laid down.
And his leg length discrepancy seems to be holding steady for two years now. Again, another big YAY!!!
We had to wait a long time to see Dr. Dobbs. The man has become increasingly busy. We don't mind waiting, honestly. We travel a long way to see him, and he knows what he speaks of and he knows how to deal with this. We waited for about 4 hours for him. And this time we did NOT leave the room! Last time, we made the mistake of going to the bathroom and getting a coffee and missed him! Had to wait again!
So this time, we waited. And when he did get to us, he apologized, and Kristina apologized and everyone else apologized. What a breath of fresh air. They didn't need to apologize. We know how busy he is. We know how fortunate we are to be able to see him. We know how amazing that whole team is. And how humble they are. What a wonderful group to work with. And how wonderful for them to recognize us in our wait. So many times you see a doctor and you feel like a number. NEVER with Dr. Dobbs and his team.
And the update.
His foot is tight, but that is just what is going to happen when he grows. And if you remember, he just grew out of all his shoes in March. So we are definitely dealing with yet another growth spurt.
Dr. Dobbs is pleased with Matthew's lateral motion. If you didn't see it before, in April we saw this which I was thrilled with. And it has gotten even better. Will have to video tape when the cast is off. Amazing when a year ago it was barely a flicker.
He said with this getting stronger, that one day it would take over and work with us, keeping his foot in place.
Wow. It is like seeing that light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how small or dull. There it is. Finally.
I asked about physio. Dr. Dobbs wants him back at weekly physio. We had dropped it to every two weeks. Will step it up again. Dr. Dobbs also said, "If I remember correctly, his p/t willing to tape?" Yes. (In fact Steve had said that he would tape rather then cast so I could go to my reunion) Dr. Dobbs would like Matthew's foot to be taped after every physio appointment and leave it on for a few days. Just to get that extra stretch. Will do.
And to keep up with the E-stim. Yes, most definitely. Dr. Dobbs asked what Matthew had it turned on to at home. I said '3', almost cringing, expecting him to say that wasn't enough. But never from him. He said that was fine. In fact, I told Dr. Dobbs that Steve was talking about using a stronger E-stim machine while at physio. I said that Steve told me that he pushes on Matthew like he does an adult and that Matthew never complains. He smiled and nodded. Like he knows, because I think he just does know.
And just before he was casted, I shared with the team a poem Matthew had written in school. They wrote many poems, subjects always up to them.
This was the frame work for Matthew's Cinquain.
Cinquain Pattern #2
And this was his poem.
All of the people seemed touched. But Dr. Dobbs especially. I said that St, Louis and casting was a big part of his life. Dr. Dobbs said 'Definitely.'
Yes. Definitely. That city, those casts, and more importantly, those people involved have become a huge part of that little 8 year old's life. Slowly, slowly, bit by bit (sorry, can't help but quote the Digging-ist Dog) we are assembling an amazing team for Matthew.
One day, we will emerge from this tunnel. I know it now. I can see the light.
So some answers. First, yes. He is again in a cast. This time, green and black (there is no white) for his favorite CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As you can see, he is a very proud Rider fan.
It is a full leg cast. The last time we did a half leg cast and honestly, everyone involved from myself to Dr Dobbs to Steve who we saw today, feels it was of no benefit. Sadly, it will be the last half leg cast.
Now for the answers.
The callous that has been developing on his heel is purely skin. YAY!!! Did you hear me scream YAY at about 8 am yesterday? It was that much of a relief.
This is what the callous looks like. You can see by the shape why I thought that it could be bone being laid down.
And his leg length discrepancy seems to be holding steady for two years now. Again, another big YAY!!!
We had to wait a long time to see Dr. Dobbs. The man has become increasingly busy. We don't mind waiting, honestly. We travel a long way to see him, and he knows what he speaks of and he knows how to deal with this. We waited for about 4 hours for him. And this time we did NOT leave the room! Last time, we made the mistake of going to the bathroom and getting a coffee and missed him! Had to wait again!
So this time, we waited. And when he did get to us, he apologized, and Kristina apologized and everyone else apologized. What a breath of fresh air. They didn't need to apologize. We know how busy he is. We know how fortunate we are to be able to see him. We know how amazing that whole team is. And how humble they are. What a wonderful group to work with. And how wonderful for them to recognize us in our wait. So many times you see a doctor and you feel like a number. NEVER with Dr. Dobbs and his team.
And the update.
His foot is tight, but that is just what is going to happen when he grows. And if you remember, he just grew out of all his shoes in March. So we are definitely dealing with yet another growth spurt.
Dr. Dobbs is pleased with Matthew's lateral motion. If you didn't see it before, in April we saw this which I was thrilled with. And it has gotten even better. Will have to video tape when the cast is off. Amazing when a year ago it was barely a flicker.
He said with this getting stronger, that one day it would take over and work with us, keeping his foot in place.
Wow. It is like seeing that light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how small or dull. There it is. Finally.
I asked about physio. Dr. Dobbs wants him back at weekly physio. We had dropped it to every two weeks. Will step it up again. Dr. Dobbs also said, "If I remember correctly, his p/t willing to tape?" Yes. (In fact Steve had said that he would tape rather then cast so I could go to my reunion) Dr. Dobbs would like Matthew's foot to be taped after every physio appointment and leave it on for a few days. Just to get that extra stretch. Will do.
And to keep up with the E-stim. Yes, most definitely. Dr. Dobbs asked what Matthew had it turned on to at home. I said '3', almost cringing, expecting him to say that wasn't enough. But never from him. He said that was fine. In fact, I told Dr. Dobbs that Steve was talking about using a stronger E-stim machine while at physio. I said that Steve told me that he pushes on Matthew like he does an adult and that Matthew never complains. He smiled and nodded. Like he knows, because I think he just does know.
And just before he was casted, I shared with the team a poem Matthew had written in school. They wrote many poems, subjects always up to them.
This was the frame work for Matthew's Cinquain.
Cinquain Pattern #2
Line1: A noun
Line2: Two adjectives
Line 3: Three -ing words
Line 4: A phrase
Line 5: Another word for the noun.
Line2: Two adjectives
Line 3: Three -ing words
Line 4: A phrase
Line 5: Another word for the noun.
And this was his poem.
St. Louis
helpful, kind
helping, casting, caring
helping people when they have a broken leg
casting
helpful, kind
helping, casting, caring
helping people when they have a broken leg
casting
All of the people seemed touched. But Dr. Dobbs especially. I said that St, Louis and casting was a big part of his life. Dr. Dobbs said 'Definitely.'
Yes. Definitely. That city, those casts, and more importantly, those people involved have become a huge part of that little 8 year old's life. Slowly, slowly, bit by bit (sorry, can't help but quote the Digging-ist Dog) we are assembling an amazing team for Matthew.
One day, we will emerge from this tunnel. I know it now. I can see the light.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
St. Louis, The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
We are back from St. Louis with an interesting update.
First of all, the good.
We were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. I was reading my book when Matthew said "Mommy! I see my friend D!" I told him, no that I didn't think he would see his buddy there. (He made a friend in St. Louis his first trip there in May and saw him a lot) I looked up and sure enough, there he was! Talk about fate! We had all flown in for an appointment that day without knowing the other was there. The boys were thrilled to be able to see one another again and to play at Haven House later.
The other good... Dr. Dobbs was happy with Matthew's foot. He said it still looked good.
The Bad
Matthew's heel cord has been getting tight despite all the p/t. Dr. Dobbs thought it would be beneficial for him to spend a week in a cast. Get a good long stretch. Matthew was really upset about this. He really didn't want a cast again. He had some tears when we were left alone. He cried because he would miss swimming. He cried because he didn't want to fly again with a cast. He cried because he wouldn't be able to do the monkey bars. He cried because he didn't want to have to go to school in a cast. But, by the time we made it to the cast room, he put on his brave face and sucked it up better then any adult could. Have I ever mentioned how proud I am of him? :)
The Ugly
Dr. Dobbs intern came in first and had Matthew walk. He immediately felt Matthew's hips. It was like a huge light bulb going off... leg length discrepancy. Sure enough. Matthew's left leg (clubfoot leg) is 1/2 inch shorter then his other leg. The X-rays they took when they removed his cast in May show it clear as day.
Why is this the ugly? Maybe because I am so mad that his surgeon here of 6 years never once measured for it. Never once mentioned the possibility. Never once said that clubfoot with neurological disorders often have leg length discrepancies. SIX years... not once. And Dr. Dobbs found it in Matthew's first post-cast appointment.
What is really ugly is that perhaps, if this had been caught earlier, he could have been wearing a lift in his shoe for a long time and maybe, just maybe it would have slowed his regressions or (maybe this is wishful thinking) prevented some of them.
I was able to pick Dr. Dobbs and Kristina (his nurse)'s brains while they casted him. Dr. Dobbs said that yes, it is possible that with the lift, it could reduce the regression. That his running/walking with his foot turned in could be due to the leg length difference. He also said that one day, Matthew WILL be done with casts. It will happen, he just can't tell me when.
Those were the most beautiful words I have heard in a long time. I told him I was going to hold him to that.
I have to say, Dr. Dobbs and Kristina are such a wonderful team to work with. We have been so lucky to have found them.
So Matthew got his cast (red with a green stripe - his choice) and it is straighter then any of his previous casts. It has made it difficult to move and impossible to reach his foot, but I hope, a better stretch.
Then, off to orthotics to get his brace fixed and to get a lift on the shoe that we had with us. The entire black portion on the bottom is the lift that was glued to the shoe. I have an appointment to take his other shoes in here to have lifts put on them.
Then, back to Haven House to play with his buddy.
What is under the cups? Why praying mantis's of course!
We are now back home and Matthew has not complained once about his cast, save for this morning when he said he had to show me something. I took a peak at his big toe. It was covered in dried blood. The fiberglass was a bit too long and digging into his toe. I got out the scissors and cut it back. He said thank you and ran off to play before school.
Man... that kid is one tough cookie. Makes my heart swell with pride.
First of all, the good.
We were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. I was reading my book when Matthew said "Mommy! I see my friend D!" I told him, no that I didn't think he would see his buddy there. (He made a friend in St. Louis his first trip there in May and saw him a lot) I looked up and sure enough, there he was! Talk about fate! We had all flown in for an appointment that day without knowing the other was there. The boys were thrilled to be able to see one another again and to play at Haven House later.
The other good... Dr. Dobbs was happy with Matthew's foot. He said it still looked good.
The Bad
Matthew's heel cord has been getting tight despite all the p/t. Dr. Dobbs thought it would be beneficial for him to spend a week in a cast. Get a good long stretch. Matthew was really upset about this. He really didn't want a cast again. He had some tears when we were left alone. He cried because he would miss swimming. He cried because he didn't want to fly again with a cast. He cried because he wouldn't be able to do the monkey bars. He cried because he didn't want to have to go to school in a cast. But, by the time we made it to the cast room, he put on his brave face and sucked it up better then any adult could. Have I ever mentioned how proud I am of him? :)
The Ugly
Dr. Dobbs intern came in first and had Matthew walk. He immediately felt Matthew's hips. It was like a huge light bulb going off... leg length discrepancy. Sure enough. Matthew's left leg (clubfoot leg) is 1/2 inch shorter then his other leg. The X-rays they took when they removed his cast in May show it clear as day.
Why is this the ugly? Maybe because I am so mad that his surgeon here of 6 years never once measured for it. Never once mentioned the possibility. Never once said that clubfoot with neurological disorders often have leg length discrepancies. SIX years... not once. And Dr. Dobbs found it in Matthew's first post-cast appointment.
What is really ugly is that perhaps, if this had been caught earlier, he could have been wearing a lift in his shoe for a long time and maybe, just maybe it would have slowed his regressions or (maybe this is wishful thinking) prevented some of them.
I was able to pick Dr. Dobbs and Kristina (his nurse)'s brains while they casted him. Dr. Dobbs said that yes, it is possible that with the lift, it could reduce the regression. That his running/walking with his foot turned in could be due to the leg length difference. He also said that one day, Matthew WILL be done with casts. It will happen, he just can't tell me when.
Those were the most beautiful words I have heard in a long time. I told him I was going to hold him to that.
I have to say, Dr. Dobbs and Kristina are such a wonderful team to work with. We have been so lucky to have found them.
So Matthew got his cast (red with a green stripe - his choice) and it is straighter then any of his previous casts. It has made it difficult to move and impossible to reach his foot, but I hope, a better stretch.
Then, off to orthotics to get his brace fixed and to get a lift on the shoe that we had with us. The entire black portion on the bottom is the lift that was glued to the shoe. I have an appointment to take his other shoes in here to have lifts put on them.
Then, back to Haven House to play with his buddy.
What is under the cups? Why praying mantis's of course!
We are now back home and Matthew has not complained once about his cast, save for this morning when he said he had to show me something. I took a peak at his big toe. It was covered in dried blood. The fiberglass was a bit too long and digging into his toe. I got out the scissors and cut it back. He said thank you and ran off to play before school.
Man... that kid is one tough cookie. Makes my heart swell with pride.
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