Ellie is continuing to do well after her SDR surgery. She had a rough first week or two at her new therapy, but that wasn’t because of pain so much as for emotional reasons. I think she was in too many new places, and dealing with too many new people.
Thankfully, that’s all behind her now. She loves her new therapy conductor. Even more, she’s progressed so well she is now using tripod canes. So well, in fact, her mom and dad have ordered canes for her to use at home.
"Look at all those!"
Maybe someday soon we’ll be able to have a picture of her out and about and using canes instead of a walker. Wow!
I’m a little remiss in not posting sooner! I’ve been down to Florida to visit Miss Ellie and her parents since my last post, and back again. Time sure does seem to slip away.
I took a picture of Ellie’s back while I was there, showing how well the scar has healed from her surgery.
Ellie's SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) scar
This was taken about 3 weeks after her surgery, and as you can see, it’s healed up quite nicely. It’s just a thin little line on her spine. Granted, it’s a bit longer than we originally thought it would be, but that’s because the neurosurgeon discovered after he first cut and looked at the nerves that he needed to be a little higher.
It’s amazing how much “looser” Ellie’s legs are now, and how much easier it is for her to move them. Of course, sometimes they are a little too “floppy” because she needs to build up strength in different muscles now. But therapy should take care of that.
She’s also been to the Shriner’s Hospital to have molds of her legs made to get new AFOs (Ankle-foot orthoses) made. With that and therapy every week-day, a little R&R now and then is a good thing!
Ellie loves Disney!
Orlando is full of fun!
Ellie has made it to Florida, and has already been getting therapy at two different places. The girl is working HARD!!!
She’s been puttering around with her walker, enjoying the warm outdoors in Florida. (Much better than the cold in Canada right now I suspect!)
In less than a week after SDR surgery Ellie started using her walker.
Her new schedule is working on Monday with a physical therapist. There are lots of cool therapy aids there disguised as toys, so Ellie has a good time! The therapist gives home therapist (Mom) tips and exercises to do at home.
She has conductive education on Tuesdays through Friday. Her muscles are really “loose” now, so she has a long way to go to build strength and see just how well she’s going to be able to walk after having the SDR surgery.
But one can’t work all the time! Being in Orlando, what better place for a little R&R than Disney?
Ellie taking a break from therapy after SDR surgery.
It’s early days yet, but Ellie is making progress. It’s not an instant miracle, but the SDR surgery has made positive changes already. Time will tell just how much difference it makes in her being able to walk.
But we have high hopes!
