Last week, Matthew went back to his orthotist and had the toe strap on his AFO adjusted. Finally, success! He is able to put it on in the morning, wear it all day at school and walk home from school with no problems. Yay!
And the back steps...
Matthew's tonsils looked horrid on Friday. Took him to the doctor again on Saturday. No fever. No white spots on the tonsils. No hint at all that a bacterial infection was there other then it had been 10+ days since the last doctor's appointment and some mild fluid build up in his ear. Because of that, he was given yet another round of antibiotics.
That evening, the sore throat started. By bedtime, he had three doses of antibiotics. I thought for sure by Sunday evening, he would be right as rain.
I was wrong.
It is now Tuesday and he is just starting to get better. His mouth and throat starting Sunday was bright red covered with white. His throat so sore he couldn't eat or drink.
And to add insult to injury, he is getting his last molars. All four are trying to push through.
Poor kid.
Maybe next week will be his week.
Showing posts with label orthotist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orthotist. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hi Ho, Hi Ho
It's off to the orthotist I go...again.
When we were in St. Louis last month, they decided to add a toe strap to try and stop Matthew's toes from drifting over. Simple concept, should work.
Problem is, the strap keeps slipping to this position.
Then his toe peaks out and the strap is useless. Went to the orthotist last week to try to add some velcro to see if we could hold the toe strap in better position, as well as adding more padding to stop his ankle from getting blisters.
Didn't work.
Back to the orthotist I go. This is what we are trying now.
Hoping this does the trick.
When we were in St. Louis last month, they decided to add a toe strap to try and stop Matthew's toes from drifting over. Simple concept, should work.
Problem is, the strap keeps slipping to this position.
Then his toe peaks out and the strap is useless. Went to the orthotist last week to try to add some velcro to see if we could hold the toe strap in better position, as well as adding more padding to stop his ankle from getting blisters.
Didn't work.
Back to the orthotist I go. This is what we are trying now.
Hoping this does the trick.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Complete 180
Yesterday I was frustrated and confused. So I sent a message last night to Dr. Dobbs and his nurse coordinator Kristina Porter. Told them that Matthew's AFO was bothering him and where. Told them that he has been doing E-stim and that Steve felt Matthew was gaining some slight movement in his toes.
I had a response less then 12 hours later. I can not express how thankful I am to have found this amazing team. They work so hard for all their patients at all times.
They discussed things and gave me some new ideas to take to Matthew's orthotist to work with this AFO.
And the best part, Dr. Dobbs feels that daily E-stim could help and could we get a hold of some equipment for home? Maybe it is the sun shining this morning. Maybe it is the beautiful deep blue fall sky this morning. But I got goose bumps reading that. Maybe, just maybe this is another sign of things moving forward.
For so long we have been stuck in the same treatment for Matthew. Finally, we are off the loop track and walking down the road. It is going to be a long road, but today, it is a beautiful view.
I had a response less then 12 hours later. I can not express how thankful I am to have found this amazing team. They work so hard for all their patients at all times.
They discussed things and gave me some new ideas to take to Matthew's orthotist to work with this AFO.
And the best part, Dr. Dobbs feels that daily E-stim could help and could we get a hold of some equipment for home? Maybe it is the sun shining this morning. Maybe it is the beautiful deep blue fall sky this morning. But I got goose bumps reading that. Maybe, just maybe this is another sign of things moving forward.
For so long we have been stuck in the same treatment for Matthew. Finally, we are off the loop track and walking down the road. It is going to be a long road, but today, it is a beautiful view.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Frustrated And Confused
Since school started, I have been trying to get Matthew to wear his new brace. He goes to school with it, but it is always off by recess time (2 hours later). I can see where it is bothering him. Have taken him in to our orthotist to try and have it adjusted, but the adjustments that can be made are not helping.
The new brace was made straighter and higher at the toe to try and stop the front of his foot from turning in. I completely agree with that.
But that is where the new AFO is bothering him. You can see how his foot turns right at that spot.
So, the part of his AFO that is to keep his foot from turning, is causing him to remove and not wear his AFO...which will lead to more turning of his foot. Arrrggghhhh!
Simple solution, cut the AFO down at that foot part. But, the purpose of this AFO was to try and stop that foot from turning.
Round and round we go.
I am going to send an email to Dr. Dobbs and Kristina this evening. See what their thoughts are. We don't go back to St. Louis until December.
In the meantime, he has been happily wearing his old AFO.
Oh, and another update...Ryan's eye. A real beauty in the works.
The new brace was made straighter and higher at the toe to try and stop the front of his foot from turning in. I completely agree with that.
Comparison of old AFO and new AFO.
But that is where the new AFO is bothering him. You can see how his foot turns right at that spot.
Braced.
Unbraced.
So, the part of his AFO that is to keep his foot from turning, is causing him to remove and not wear his AFO...which will lead to more turning of his foot. Arrrggghhhh!
Simple solution, cut the AFO down at that foot part. But, the purpose of this AFO was to try and stop that foot from turning.
Round and round we go.
I am going to send an email to Dr. Dobbs and Kristina this evening. See what their thoughts are. We don't go back to St. Louis until December.
In the meantime, he has been happily wearing his old AFO.
Oh, and another update...Ryan's eye. A real beauty in the works.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
An Exciting Find!
I was checking out a yahoo group for clubfeet today when I found a post by a mom about shoes for AFO's. I have seen this site before
Hatchbacks Footwear
And was not thrilled. The shoes don't look like normal shoes for an older child.
So when I saw this site
Keeping Pace
I took a cautious look.
What I found thrilled me! Normal looking shoes! That are specially made so it is easier to put on without destroying the back of the shoe. And specially made to allow for a child who only wears one AFO. AND the best part... specially made to HIDE a shoe lift. That's right, they hide the lift between the shoe and the sole. Brilliant. Obviously designed by a frustrated mom like me. I took a peak at the designer stories.
I had tears in my eyes when I read this
I have come to dread picking up our new personally designed and meticulously crafted AFOs, because it would be followed by endless hours of shopping and searching for a pair of shoes.
I can truly relate.
I called the company immediately and found out they do have a distributor here in Canada but I need to order through an orthotist. That shouldn't be a problem. And they are pricey. Not sure how much, will have to look into it. But, sometimes, cost is worth it.
Now off to spread the word to a few moms I know who have little ones with leg length discrepancies and Jamie with a 2 yr old with the same condition as Matthew. I bet they will be as excited as I am!
Hatchbacks Footwear
And was not thrilled. The shoes don't look like normal shoes for an older child.
So when I saw this site
Keeping Pace
I took a cautious look.
What I found thrilled me! Normal looking shoes! That are specially made so it is easier to put on without destroying the back of the shoe. And specially made to allow for a child who only wears one AFO. AND the best part... specially made to HIDE a shoe lift. That's right, they hide the lift between the shoe and the sole. Brilliant. Obviously designed by a frustrated mom like me. I took a peak at the designer stories.
I had tears in my eyes when I read this
I have come to dread picking up our new personally designed and meticulously crafted AFOs, because it would be followed by endless hours of shopping and searching for a pair of shoes.
I can truly relate.
I called the company immediately and found out they do have a distributor here in Canada but I need to order through an orthotist. That shouldn't be a problem. And they are pricey. Not sure how much, will have to look into it. But, sometimes, cost is worth it.
Now off to spread the word to a few moms I know who have little ones with leg length discrepancies and Jamie with a 2 yr old with the same condition as Matthew. I bet they will be as excited as I am!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Paranoia Setting In
A few weeks ago, the strap on Matthew's brace broke, again. Luckily, this time, the orthotist in St. Louis gave us an extra strap just in case. I got it out and put it on.
About an hour later, Matthew went to put on his brace. I, being a lefty, put the strap on the wrong side. Instead of doing up on the inside of the ankle, it now does up on the outside. And after being on for an hour, I worried if I removed it, it would not stick. I had a moment of panic. What if the strap pulls his foot in instead of stretching it out! I looked and analyzed and decided because it crosses over under the foot, it shouldn't matter which way other then ease of putting it on.
So I left it...but asked Steve the next day when we saw him. He agreed with me.
So, here we are, a few weeks later and paranoia is setting in. I think his foot is getting tight again. And, I am noticing extra bumps again. Just like last year when his talus bone started sticking out. The bumps are small but in the same location.
I told Steve that I thought his foot was tighter. And then I asked about the lumps and bumps. He was quiet, manipulating Matthew's foot. Then, he turned to me and said "now you have me paranoid!" After a few minutes, he said he didn't think it was the talus. That it felt too high up. And that he felt Matthew's foot was still loose, but that he was fighting the stretching harder then usual.
I am not so sure. We've been down this road too many times to dismiss this so easily. Now I am worried that I messed up the strap. I am also worried that we won't be able to see Dr. Dobbs himself. I am starting to feel we are heading back to square one.
Again.
By the way, I called Kristina's direct line and left her a voice mail. Hopefully she can contact me and let me know what is up.
About an hour later, Matthew went to put on his brace. I, being a lefty, put the strap on the wrong side. Instead of doing up on the inside of the ankle, it now does up on the outside. And after being on for an hour, I worried if I removed it, it would not stick. I had a moment of panic. What if the strap pulls his foot in instead of stretching it out! I looked and analyzed and decided because it crosses over under the foot, it shouldn't matter which way other then ease of putting it on.
So I left it...but asked Steve the next day when we saw him. He agreed with me.
So, here we are, a few weeks later and paranoia is setting in. I think his foot is getting tight again. And, I am noticing extra bumps again. Just like last year when his talus bone started sticking out. The bumps are small but in the same location.
I told Steve that I thought his foot was tighter. And then I asked about the lumps and bumps. He was quiet, manipulating Matthew's foot. Then, he turned to me and said "now you have me paranoid!" After a few minutes, he said he didn't think it was the talus. That it felt too high up. And that he felt Matthew's foot was still loose, but that he was fighting the stretching harder then usual.
I am not so sure. We've been down this road too many times to dismiss this so easily. Now I am worried that I messed up the strap. I am also worried that we won't be able to see Dr. Dobbs himself. I am starting to feel we are heading back to square one.
Again.
By the way, I called Kristina's direct line and left her a voice mail. Hopefully she can contact me and let me know what is up.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Just When You Think It's Safe To Get Back In The Water
I really thought I had things licked. I foolishly thought we were over a rough spot and it would be smooth sailing for a few months.
I was wrong.
Matthew came home yesterday upset. His indoor shoes have a black sole and he is not allowed to wear them because they mark the school floor.
Remember what they look like now with the lift.
So, I took the shoe and sure enough, it marks my kitchen floor. And the mark does not come off.
Crap.
I have a call into the teacher. Hoping that we can come to a compromise with this shoe. Hope that if he is responsible and does not intentionally make marks, that he can continue to wear them.
Otherwise, it means buying yet another pair of new shoes and trying to see if there is a lift that can be added that is not black.
That reminds me, I need to call Matthew's orthotist and see if there is even such a thing.
I was wrong.
Matthew came home yesterday upset. His indoor shoes have a black sole and he is not allowed to wear them because they mark the school floor.
Remember what they look like now with the lift.
So, I took the shoe and sure enough, it marks my kitchen floor. And the mark does not come off.
Crap.
I have a call into the teacher. Hoping that we can come to a compromise with this shoe. Hope that if he is responsible and does not intentionally make marks, that he can continue to wear them.
Otherwise, it means buying yet another pair of new shoes and trying to see if there is a lift that can be added that is not black.
That reminds me, I need to call Matthew's orthotist and see if there is even such a thing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Feels Like Christmas
The view out our window is enough to make you think Christmas is just around the corner.
And we got to open this cheery looking package today.
Not sure who I felt more sorry for. The poor doctor attempting to remove a Dobbs cast or poor Matthew who had to endure it. Normally, cast removal takes five minutes tops. This poor guy was stumped and mystified and it took him 40 minutes. Normally, the cast comes off in two pieces. This poor guy butchered the cast (better then butchering the child) and we only saved 2 of the bigger pieces.
Matthew is doing well and walking on it already, although it is tender and he tires quickly. Shouldn't take long before the crutches go back into storage.
Also stopped in and saw Matthew's orthotist for a lift on his indoor school shoes. Found out that only 3/4 inches and more are covered here. How silly is that? So 1/2 inch lift is considered...what? Unnecessary? Cosmetic? How silly. They shoe should be ready in a few days.
Here's hoping this leg length discrepancy and shoe lift is the last piece of the puzzle and his foot stops regressing.
And we got to open this cheery looking package today.
Not sure who I felt more sorry for. The poor doctor attempting to remove a Dobbs cast or poor Matthew who had to endure it. Normally, cast removal takes five minutes tops. This poor guy was stumped and mystified and it took him 40 minutes. Normally, the cast comes off in two pieces. This poor guy butchered the cast (better then butchering the child) and we only saved 2 of the bigger pieces.
Matthew is doing well and walking on it already, although it is tender and he tires quickly. Shouldn't take long before the crutches go back into storage.
Also stopped in and saw Matthew's orthotist for a lift on his indoor school shoes. Found out that only 3/4 inches and more are covered here. How silly is that? So 1/2 inch lift is considered...what? Unnecessary? Cosmetic? How silly. They shoe should be ready in a few days.
Here's hoping this leg length discrepancy and shoe lift is the last piece of the puzzle and his foot stops regressing.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A New Day
Despite the poor start to yesterday, the day turned out well.
We saw Matthew's orthotist who got to see his new AFO from St. Louis for the first time. He didn't say much but spent a lot of time looking at the fit and thinking. I've learned that this is Ken's way. He gets quiet when he is problem solving. He ended up adding some foam type padding to the outside of the ankle that will compact where there is pressure, but will stay filled in where there is not. Will give it a few days checking for pressure sores to see if it is working. Crossing fingers we will see less supination. By the way, that is what I was seeing in that wet footprint. That and some metatarsus adductus. (see, I am learning all the big words now!)
Onwards we went to p/t. Matthew asked me to talk to the p/t about not leaving him sitting alone like she did last week. (his regular p/t is out of town) She said she would sit with him the whole time. He seemed relieved.
While Matthew was at p/t, I was able to get out and buy a dress from Winner's for my SIL's wedding. Only $40!! Yay!
Back to p/t to get Matthew. She was very pleased with how hard he worked and the fit of the new adjustments to his AFO. She wasn't sure as she only saw him for the first time last week but she thought his dorsiflexion had increased 2 degrees. I will wait til his regular p/t confirms before I celebrate that one.
Today is a new day. Warm and sunny. We are heading to Calaway Park today and then packing for a camping trip this weekend. Seems like summer is finally here.
We saw Matthew's orthotist who got to see his new AFO from St. Louis for the first time. He didn't say much but spent a lot of time looking at the fit and thinking. I've learned that this is Ken's way. He gets quiet when he is problem solving. He ended up adding some foam type padding to the outside of the ankle that will compact where there is pressure, but will stay filled in where there is not. Will give it a few days checking for pressure sores to see if it is working. Crossing fingers we will see less supination. By the way, that is what I was seeing in that wet footprint. That and some metatarsus adductus. (see, I am learning all the big words now!)
Onwards we went to p/t. Matthew asked me to talk to the p/t about not leaving him sitting alone like she did last week. (his regular p/t is out of town) She said she would sit with him the whole time. He seemed relieved.
While Matthew was at p/t, I was able to get out and buy a dress from Winner's for my SIL's wedding. Only $40!! Yay!
Back to p/t to get Matthew. She was very pleased with how hard he worked and the fit of the new adjustments to his AFO. She wasn't sure as she only saw him for the first time last week but she thought his dorsiflexion had increased 2 degrees. I will wait til his regular p/t confirms before I celebrate that one.
Today is a new day. Warm and sunny. We are heading to Calaway Park today and then packing for a camping trip this weekend. Seems like summer is finally here.
Friday, July 10, 2009
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Physio was a win yesterday. Well, as much as a win as you could ask for. The inside of Matthew's foot was looser then ever before. Seems that finally I am stretching him properly. Yay for me! However, his ankle bone seems to be protruding. His p/t thinks it could be from too much room in the AFO. I have an appointment to see his orthotist and hoping for the best.
Today, for the first time in what feels like a month, we had sunshine! I even got a bit of a sunburn. Yay sunshine!
But as I think of it, I only stretched Matthew's foot once today and we never did his hip exercises.
Sigh, you win some, you lose some.
Today, for the first time in what feels like a month, we had sunshine! I even got a bit of a sunburn. Yay sunshine!
But as I think of it, I only stretched Matthew's foot once today and we never did his hip exercises.
Sigh, you win some, you lose some.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Does a heart good
Matthew had physio today. That is never fun. I have resorted to (at the advice of his P/T) giving him Motrin before his session to help with the pain. And she brings her son's Nintendo DS for him to play so he is distracted and she can push his little foot farther. Today, it took 20 min to get him back to neutral.
After his session, Matthew said he wanted to run. No surprise there. For those of you who do not know him, he has two speeds... run and sleep. He had been sitting all morning in school (well, as much sitting as they do in Kindergarten) and then spent 45 min stretching his foot. He needed to run. She had him walk for a bit first, working again on getting him to try to put his heel down with each step, then she let him go. And go he did. He ran faster then I think I had ever seen. His arms pumped, his face was focused and he ran back and forth the length of the gymnasium. Ryan tried but could not keep up.
His P/T came over to me and said "how old is he again?" I said he is six now. She said, "I think you would be hard pressed to find any child that age that could keep up with him."
Talk about lifting your heart. Honestly... the best thing you could say to me right then. And he was barefoot. No brace.
Then Matthew took a run across a piece of balance equipment. Again, his p/t was amazed. She said she could not believe how much athletic ability he had.
Again, what a great feeling!
This kid truly amazes me. Maybe it is simply that he knows no other thing in life then the two feet that God gave him. Maybe he is some one who possesses something more then I know. Maybe I am just a proud Mommy. What ever it is, he amazes me. He takes what he has and makes the best of it.
No. He does even better then that.
He takes what he has and he makes it work on his own level. When he was running his heart out and impressing his p/t beyond his diagnosis, no one saw that little foot curving in, running on the side. All they saw was the potential athlete running for the gold.
This is another one for the trophy shelf.
Oh, and the rub mark is back. We see the orthotist on Monday.
After his session, Matthew said he wanted to run. No surprise there. For those of you who do not know him, he has two speeds... run and sleep. He had been sitting all morning in school (well, as much sitting as they do in Kindergarten) and then spent 45 min stretching his foot. He needed to run. She had him walk for a bit first, working again on getting him to try to put his heel down with each step, then she let him go. And go he did. He ran faster then I think I had ever seen. His arms pumped, his face was focused and he ran back and forth the length of the gymnasium. Ryan tried but could not keep up.
His P/T came over to me and said "how old is he again?" I said he is six now. She said, "I think you would be hard pressed to find any child that age that could keep up with him."
Talk about lifting your heart. Honestly... the best thing you could say to me right then. And he was barefoot. No brace.
Then Matthew took a run across a piece of balance equipment. Again, his p/t was amazed. She said she could not believe how much athletic ability he had.
Again, what a great feeling!
This kid truly amazes me. Maybe it is simply that he knows no other thing in life then the two feet that God gave him. Maybe he is some one who possesses something more then I know. Maybe I am just a proud Mommy. What ever it is, he amazes me. He takes what he has and makes the best of it.
No. He does even better then that.
He takes what he has and he makes it work on his own level. When he was running his heart out and impressing his p/t beyond his diagnosis, no one saw that little foot curving in, running on the side. All they saw was the potential athlete running for the gold.
This is another one for the trophy shelf.
Oh, and the rub mark is back. We see the orthotist on Monday.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ouch!
When I picked Matthew up from school today he was almost in tears over his AFO. Took it off and found a nice big red rub mark with a nasty indentation in it. Luckily we got it before a blister. It never ceases to amaze me that for weeks he can wear the same type socks, same AFO, same shoes and do the same things then one day after 2 hours of wearing it he gets a rub mark.
So, he is out of it for the rest of the day and will wear it again tomorrow. If the rub mark comes back it means we head back to the orthotist for adjustments. I checked my calender, the boys are off school Thursday morning. We had planned a morning of staying in our pj's and laying around watching cartoons. Guess we may be off to see the orthotist instead.
So, he is out of it for the rest of the day and will wear it again tomorrow. If the rub mark comes back it means we head back to the orthotist for adjustments. I checked my calender, the boys are off school Thursday morning. We had planned a morning of staying in our pj's and laying around watching cartoons. Guess we may be off to see the orthotist instead.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Positive thoughts
I truly believe that if you look for the positives in life, that is what you will find. If you focus on the negatives, that is where you will be. So with that thought, here is what has been positive around here this week.
1. We saw Matthew's orthotist for adjustments ordered by his surgeon. After the adjustments, his boots and shoes are easier to put on. And the best news, it now fits in his indoor soccer shoe! Yay!!
2. We saw his physiotherapist for a session. She said he was very tight but loosened up after working with him. She was impressed with his ability to jump 8 times in a row on his foot. He can do better then that too. Yay!!
3. Matthew had his second swim lesson this week. This time, instead of sitting with me and crying, he joined immediately and even chatted with two other boys in the class. Then after leaving the pool he asked when he could go again. Yay!!
These may seem like small insignificant things in many people's lives, but in our home, we take these small steps and embrace them. For every small step adds up to a large leap. I have to keep that in perspective.
This has been a great week. :)
1. We saw Matthew's orthotist for adjustments ordered by his surgeon. After the adjustments, his boots and shoes are easier to put on. And the best news, it now fits in his indoor soccer shoe! Yay!!
2. We saw his physiotherapist for a session. She said he was very tight but loosened up after working with him. She was impressed with his ability to jump 8 times in a row on his foot. He can do better then that too. Yay!!
3. Matthew had his second swim lesson this week. This time, instead of sitting with me and crying, he joined immediately and even chatted with two other boys in the class. Then after leaving the pool he asked when he could go again. Yay!!
These may seem like small insignificant things in many people's lives, but in our home, we take these small steps and embrace them. For every small step adds up to a large leap. I have to keep that in perspective.
This has been a great week. :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The new AFO
I just realized that I have been raving about Matthew's latest AFO but have not shared any photos of it!
The old design
The new design
You can see there is no joint (articulation) and that is is not perfectly straight but it is straighter then we thought possible thanks to the most wonderful orthotist!
The old design
The new design
You can see there is no joint (articulation) and that is is not perfectly straight but it is straighter then we thought possible thanks to the most wonderful orthotist!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone! I took a break from the computer over the holiday but am back now that I have a few hours to myself every week again. Pure bliss I tell ya!
I noticed I have a few more followers so I wanted to say Hi to them! Some of you are leaving wonderful comments for me on facebook or my personal email which I enjoy but also, feel free to leave comments here whenever you wish. You never know who's heart you will touch with your words.
So what is new here? Matthew saw his surgeon just before Christmas. He is generally happy with the newest AFO but as always, he is asking for adjustments. So off to the orthotist we go. One thing he did say was that he didn't think he has ever seen Matthew walk so straight before. Of course that was WITH the AFO. Again, as always, once the AFO is off, it is a different story. Dr. K even said to the resident "he still has the foot drop" which I immediately jumped on and said "does that mean at some point he could walk with a heel strike?!"
You could tell Dr K either forgot he said that outloud, or forgot that this is a mom who speaks up. The look on his face was slight embarassment. He said with the most compassionate look "it is too soon to tell" I guess I could take that two ways, I prefer to take it the positive way. :)
What else is new here? We took the boys to Banff over the holidays to see the 'castle'. It was a lot of fun exploring.
The castle all decorated
in front of one of the big trees
The best part was watching the boys race through the quiet ballrooms. I suppose that we should have told them not to run, but as many of you who know me realize, I don't always follow the rules. ;)
You see, the boys were running all out... and finally, after almost one year post-op, Matthew won every race. And in true Matthew style, he didn't gloat, just took it all in as the way life is. Warms the heart. What a way to start the new year.
A fellow blogger suggested an idea to come up with one word that describes what you want for yourself in 2009. (From tip junkie ) I thought immediately of the word Believe. So powerful. 2009 will be a year of wonderous things if I believe it.
I noticed I have a few more followers so I wanted to say Hi to them! Some of you are leaving wonderful comments for me on facebook or my personal email which I enjoy but also, feel free to leave comments here whenever you wish. You never know who's heart you will touch with your words.
So what is new here? Matthew saw his surgeon just before Christmas. He is generally happy with the newest AFO but as always, he is asking for adjustments. So off to the orthotist we go. One thing he did say was that he didn't think he has ever seen Matthew walk so straight before. Of course that was WITH the AFO. Again, as always, once the AFO is off, it is a different story. Dr. K even said to the resident "he still has the foot drop" which I immediately jumped on and said "does that mean at some point he could walk with a heel strike?!"
You could tell Dr K either forgot he said that outloud, or forgot that this is a mom who speaks up. The look on his face was slight embarassment. He said with the most compassionate look "it is too soon to tell" I guess I could take that two ways, I prefer to take it the positive way. :)
What else is new here? We took the boys to Banff over the holidays to see the 'castle'. It was a lot of fun exploring.
The castle all decorated
in front of one of the big trees
The best part was watching the boys race through the quiet ballrooms. I suppose that we should have told them not to run, but as many of you who know me realize, I don't always follow the rules. ;)
You see, the boys were running all out... and finally, after almost one year post-op, Matthew won every race. And in true Matthew style, he didn't gloat, just took it all in as the way life is. Warms the heart. What a way to start the new year.
A fellow blogger suggested an idea to come up with one word that describes what you want for yourself in 2009. (From tip junkie ) I thought immediately of the word Believe. So powerful. 2009 will be a year of wonderous things if I believe it.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Some days are harder then others
We went geocaching today. Normally a day that the boys love. The first cache was just shy of 1 Km hike in along a river, no elevation. Weather was picture perfect. Matthew, who normally runs ahead was behind dragging. By the time we got to the cache, he was grumbling. So unlike him.
When we turned around to walk back, he begged to be carried. Sobbed. His foot hurt.
We made him walk it. Maybe that seems extreme. Like really bad parents, cruel, hateful. But even 5 months post surgery, he was able to do 4 km. But, that was with an AFO. I never realized just how much his AFO supports him.
It was so hard to see him struggle with what should have been a fun and easy day.
We go on Wednesday to see Ken, his orthotist. It was the earlist possible appt for him. He will be casted so Ken can make a new AFO for him. His first ever that is 10 degrees off neutral. Makes me sick to my stomach. For the first time ever, we are giving him a support that is not meant to get him to neutral position. I fear it is a step in the wrong direction, but the only thing we can do. And we are only 9 1/2 m post surgery.
I can only pray for guidance.
When we turned around to walk back, he begged to be carried. Sobbed. His foot hurt.
We made him walk it. Maybe that seems extreme. Like really bad parents, cruel, hateful. But even 5 months post surgery, he was able to do 4 km. But, that was with an AFO. I never realized just how much his AFO supports him.
It was so hard to see him struggle with what should have been a fun and easy day.
We go on Wednesday to see Ken, his orthotist. It was the earlist possible appt for him. He will be casted so Ken can make a new AFO for him. His first ever that is 10 degrees off neutral. Makes me sick to my stomach. For the first time ever, we are giving him a support that is not meant to get him to neutral position. I fear it is a step in the wrong direction, but the only thing we can do. And we are only 9 1/2 m post surgery.
I can only pray for guidance.
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