Zagreus
07-03-2004, 10:13 AM
We just returned from a follow-up with the orthopaedic surgeon. My son had his heel cord lengthened in the spring. The surgeon says he can go the summer without wearing a brace and he'll reassess the need for a brace again in 3 months. My son is very happy -- for the first time he'll have summer without wearing a brace. That's been his goal and hearing this was a great psychological boost. Of course, as he grows he may still need the brace so this may not be permanent, but even three months without it is a blessing.
Just wanted to share that with all of you, especially in light of all your encouraging comments when he had his surgery. :cool:
Just wanted to share that with all of you, especially in light of all your encouraging comments when he had his surgery. :cool:
Sponsor
Strawberry1
07-03-2004, 11:19 AM
We just returned from a follow-up with the orthopaedic surgeon. My son had his heel cord lengthened in the spring. The surgeon says he can go the summer without wearing a brace and he'll reassess the need for a brace again in 3 months. My son is very happy -- for the first time he'll have summer without wearing a brace. That's been his goal and hearing this was a great psychological boost. Of course, as he grows he may still need the brace so this may not be permanent, but even three months without it is a blessing.
Very nice to hear! I think it's likely that he can continue without a brace, even if the operated heel probably will not get as good as his non-disabled heel. And he still needs physiotherapy! The surgery is not a final cure - his ankle still needs some special attention, though not as much as before the operation.
Very nice to hear! I think it's likely that he can continue without a brace, even if the operated heel probably will not get as good as his non-disabled heel. And he still needs physiotherapy! The surgery is not a final cure - his ankle still needs some special attention, though not as much as before the operation.
Zagreus
07-03-2004, 09:39 PM
Oh, yes, he's still in therapy. He has been since the week following the procedure. The one therapist is also working with some electrical stimulation procedures that help exercises the muscle in the leg to help him lift his toes. It's working very well.
But you're right -- physical therapy is crucial.
Thanks!
But you're right -- physical therapy is crucial.
Thanks!
OrbOfConfusion
07-04-2004, 07:35 AM
That's great news! I know he must be very excited about his first summer without a brace.
Btw... happy fourth of July.
Take care,
Melissa
Btw... happy fourth of July.
Take care,
Melissa
musicmaker650
07-04-2004, 11:24 AM
That's great news :) After both my knees were operated on in 1961, I was able to stop wearing my last set braces too... I was very happy!
nutcase16
07-08-2004, 04:01 AM
That's great! :D I was also able to stop wearing a brace after my surgery in Dec. 2000. I also had an achilles tendon lengthening along with a hamstring lengthening on both sides and and aductor (I think..?) lengthening. I haven't worn the brace since! Although, right before the surgery I was wearing the brace and shorts one day at school, and someone said, "Doesn't it embarrass you to wear that with shorts?" I said, "No, does it embarrass you?" Kinda sad that the same year I finally came up with a comeback, I had to give it up....OH WELL I got over it! ;) :p :)
musicmaker650
07-08-2004, 12:09 PM
Nutcase you got it right... I see all kinds of people wearing shorts. Brace or no brace, scars or no scars, wear shorts and be proud... Never sweat the small stuff...
Zagreus
07-08-2004, 01:08 PM
That's great! :D I was also able to stop wearing a brace after my surgery in Dec. 2000. I also had an achilles tendon lengthening along with a hamstring lengthening on both sides and and aductor (I think..?) lengthening. I haven't worn the brace since! Although, right before the surgery I was wearing the brace and shorts one day at school, and someone said, "Doesn't it embarrass you to wear that with shorts?" I said, "No, does it embarrass you?" Kinda sad that the same year I finally came up with a comeback, I had to give it up....OH WELL I got over it! ;) :p :)
:cool:
:cool:
Flycatcher
07-08-2004, 08:31 PM
That's great news, congratulations! He's going to have a blast this Summer that's for sure.
Mac
Mac