Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Kaitlyn Stepping Out


Kaitlyn has decided she wants to walk more, so this is what we've been working on.  She's up to about 7 steps when she gets herself steady enough.  Most days it is about 4 to 5, but I'll take it! The new walker is really helping her a lot and she uses it often.  She loves to go outside and walk, but the weather hasn't been cooperating, can't wait for Spring!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

The Unknown

Tomorrow is another day of the unknown. K has her post op MRI at 9 at UAB.  I am stressed, nervous, anxious and holding my breath until we get the results.  In October when we were awaiting her clinic visit, I was worried something was wrong, and just felt like it was. I was right, she had a MRI to confirm the doctors suspicion, retethering of the spinal cord.  That resulted in her second detethering surgery on Dec 6, 2011.

So now we face the unknown again, another MRI, another wait and see moment. I can only pray that tomorrows results are good and that everything looks right, healing right and does not require further surgery. Words that are synonymous with Spina Bifida, wait and see. So much of our life, Kaitlyn's life is wait and see. Every child, every case of SB is different and the doctors can't predict what the future will hold, only give you an idea of what "might" happen, but there is no guarantee.

So tomorrow, we head out early to Children's South and then over to see our Neurosurgeon for the results. I am asking all our family, friends and SB families to please pray and send good thoughts for Kaitlyn tomorrow.


Update: Well we had to cancel the MRI, K woke up with a 101 temp at about midnight last night, so we're rescheduled for early March. :( 

Friday, February 3, 2012

Walking

So back months ago we got a walker on loan from UCP, it was older, heavier, non swivel wheels, but it worked OK. She used it on occasions but had trouble getting started and really needed to lean forward.  Turning was awful, as you had to sort of pick it up and turn slowly, repeat.  Well about a month ago, we traded the old one for a new one with swivel wheels.  It's a light weight one and it's made a world of difference.  She can get all over the living room and around the house and even outside, so she's happy.  We're still hoping it's temporary, but only time will tell.

She also recently started taking steps again by herself, she can get to 4 before she goes down.  The walker is definitely helping strengthen her ankles/legs, so I try to get her to use it as often as possible. Here's a short video of her walking with it and then a short video of her "singing".