Ellie's in need of new AFOs (leg braces), and we've been putting it off till after her SDR surgery, waiting to see what her (possibly new) needs and abilities are. So, off to Tampa we went...and sure enough, they also agreed that it was time for some new braces! The entire experience was, once again, very positive and we are so grateful for this medical care, especially now that we're in living in the US for a few months.
We have to go back on Ellie's birthday to pick up the finished AFOs. Nothing spells "Happy 5th Birthday!" like a trip to the hospital to pick up new leg braces...
Molding the new AFO braces
Other than that, Ellie keeps plugging away at her rehab. So far, this week has gone a lot better than last, so I think the little girl is getting used to being worked so hard. Sweet thing!
Here's one more picture that we found interesting. Richard was driving with Ellie and when he looked back, he saw her doing this:
For most of you, this isn't something blog-post-worthy, but for us, it DEFINITELY is! Ellie has NEVER been able to bend her knee and lift her leg onto her car seat before. Pre-surgery, her little leg was too stiff. Now, we rejoice as we have to re-tie her shoe every time we put her in the car!
OH that IS a beautiful sight!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Shriner's Hospital has been so good to you! AFOs are certainly not every 5 year old's dream, but they'll help Ellie so it will be a good birthday present in the long run! Another shoe option is the Crocs clogs. They're very light weight and have holes for air flow which is great in the summer and since they're oversized they fit over the braces well. And no laces to retie! Love those pics and seeing another wonderful result of the surgery. Malayna is obsessed with her shoes while riding in the car too.
ReplyDeleteOh that is great about her pulling her legs up like that. That is pretty fantastic actually. I am so glad that you were able to get to Shriner's for this, and I hope the new AFO's really help Ellie. Did I ever mention that I love CE??? :)
ReplyDeleteI am ecstatic about her leg movements. With spasticity it is so difficult to do, especially on ones own. Great job Ellie
ReplyDeleteMoving a knee up to her chin is MOST CERTAINLY blog-worthy!! I know the feeling. Our daughter did this for the first time in the car too and I swear it was a moment that I'll never forget. These kids really have taught me to appreciate movement...which most people don't ever slow down and stop to think about.
ReplyDeleteEllie is a doll.
Awesome!!!! I just found your blog this evening and have been perusing it for about an hour or so now. My little girl turned 5 in february, and we are trying to decide between SDR and PERCS (Dr Nuzzo-style). Thank you for chronicling Ellie's journey so completely - it will certainly help us come to a decision, being able to see somebody else's experiences with it.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Ellie is beautiful :) And her dance recital was ADORABLE!!!!!