Remember that CT Scan we had a few weeks back? We never did get the results.
You would think that the results of a scan of your child's head to check for hydrocephalus would be at the top of both your neurosurgeon's and your own personal list. We are so overloaded that the "no news is good news" approach is all we have been able to muster. But such is the situation we find ourselves in.
I was talking to a co-worker about our experience this past year and one of the things I tried to explain was how hard it is to relate to other people sometimes. All your life's reference points are thrown off - what is a big deal to some does not even register with you. What is a routine matter to you is earth-shattering to others. What is difficult to you is unimaginable to others . . . it's not a complaint - it just a mildly interesting socio-dynamic observation-thingy . . . or something . . .
Aaaaanyway . . .
As I mentioned before, we requested a Neuro consult when we were in the hospital last week as the wife thought she detected some swelling in Annie-Lu's noggin.
Monday the wife and child saw the Neuro and he pronounced everything "just fine". CT Scan from weeks ago was clear as well . . . good to know!
I joined the girls for the post-surgery check-up yesterday and the ortho pronounced everything on track. If you recall, they wrapped Annabelle's legs in fiberglass casts after the surgery and then cut the casts along the side and inserted spacers to accommodate any post-surgery swelling.
Yesterday they removed the spacers, squeezed the casts shut and wrapped them in another layer of fiberglass to keep them tight. Since the casts are fiberglass, we got to pick the color . . . hot pink, naturally . . .
So what's next? We head back to the ortho on May 26th at which time they will remove the casts and take out the pins in her feet. Then the orthodics folks will take a casting of her feet and ankles for the AFO's (Ankle-Foot-Orthosis). Then they wrap her back up in casts for another 5 weeks or so (the casts actually stay on until the AFOs are ready).
In the meantime we have Physical Therapy once a week to get Anna-ba-lu sitting up on her own.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
3 comments:
The orthotics are really good for keeping feet in the correct position. I had a love-hate relationship with Emily's. They come in cute colors and match many outfits, however, they can be hot in the summer. Try not to judge them too quickly. They will be your/her best friend in the long run. They will keep her feet and ankles steady for standing. Oh yes, she'll stand in them! YIPPEE Can't wait for the pictures!
Michelle & Emily in WA
Hi Matt,
Not sure if you remember me, but I worked with you at Commonwealth Title. Joann at Sorrento Financial showed me your blog, and I am amazed at your little girl's strength, and you and your wife's determination, love, and recordings of everything through this blog. I am thinking of you and your family and sending positive and healthy thoughts your way.
Best,
Caroline Hornblower
Thank you always for your great updates. Glad everything is going well. I can totally relate to "but you dont understand"? Especially when its your child. My son has bad asthma and to me sometimes its very very scarey to others its like just give him his medicine he will be fine. Excuse me your not the one sitting up with him all night because he cant breathe, fool !! So yea I get it. Hes 3 1/2.
((((((( HUGS )))))
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