Johnathan Update #4

Yesterday we headed off to Dell Children's Hospital in Austin to meet with the neuromuscular team. First stop was for xrays of Johnathan's hips and spine. Johnathan was quite brave as the "robot" took pictures! Next, we met with the pediatric orthpedic doctor and orthotics specialist. The xrays showed that Johnathan currently has none of the bone problems that can rise from his CP - scoliosis and hip displacement are the ones they'll check yearly to make sure they don't become a problem. The orthopedic doctor checked his range of motion in his right arm and leg. The plan is now to work on his heel and hamstring tightness in a couple ways: He's going to wear a knee brace while he sleeps to help stretch out his hamstring. And during the day he'll wear an AFO (ankle-foot orthotic) on his right leg so that he can't walk on his toes. We'll combine that with physical and occupational therapy twice a week, and in six months Johnathan will go back to the orthopedic clinic to see how he's progressing.

If needed, we'll consider a heel cord lengthening procedure sometime in the future, but not until he's closer to age 6. Between now and then he'll be growing so quickly that his heel could tighten back up every time he has a growth spurt, so the orthopedic specialist said there is no point in doing that kind of procedure now. Because bones grow faster that his muscles can stretch out, Johnathan will likely need to work on these issues until he is done growing.

The final stop in our tour was at the orthotics clinic. Johnathan got his knee brace fitted. And he got a cast made of his right leg so his AFO will be custom fitted. He picked out a very cool pattern with firetrucks, tractors, and helicopters on it. He and Daddy are going to drive back to Austin tomorrow to pick it up.

Thanks to everyone who is praying for Johnathan! You can pray now that he'll tolerate all the new stuff he gets to wear, that the therapy will be effective, and for us as we navigate insurance issues.