13 Weeks Post-SDR

The last two weeks have been crazy in this house. First of all, my husband had an emergency appendectomy a week and a half ago... on the day that we had an ice storm that basically closed the town down (we live in the South... ANY ice or snow shuts the town down). Because of that ice storm and my husband's unexpected hospital stay, we were unable to fit in all of Andrew's therapy sessions for the first time since his surgery. He was still able to get in 2 PT sessions, a swim session, played soccer using his walker and used his walker full time at school, but missing 3 PT sessions was not ideal.

This week, we had a snowstorm and the threat of another larger snowstorm. Luckily, even with that, the roads were clear enough and my husband was recovered enough that we were able to get back into the full swing of things this week. Plus, we had a really fun day playing in the snow! Even with the interrupted schedule, Andrew has made good progress in his exercises:

• Andrew decided on his own that he wanted to do an exercise he "created" called Spidermans. This is a harder version of his past leg lifts. It now includes lifting one leg and the opposite hand and holding it up. To everyone except Andrew's surprise, he was immediately able to do a version of it. It was at first sloppy and he couldn't hold it for very long, but after this week's sessions, he is holding it for quite a long time. It is now one of his favorite exercises to do... especially since he looks like a superhero while doing it.

The Spiderman

• Just a few short weeks ago, we introduced half kneels. When he first started this exercise, he was so weak that it took an adult to move him into that position and staying there was impossible. His weak hip muscles caused his legs to flop to the side no matter what he tried. Andrew was completely frustrated by this. So, in normal Andrew fashion, he worked and worked at it. Now, he has mastered getting into the position and can hold it supporting himself (like in the picture) indefinitely and unsupported (hands on his head or to his side while up tall) for a few seconds. We have also started working on him standing from the middle of the floor from this position, which he can currently do with an adult's support and spotting. 

Half kneel.... by himself.

• Independent standing and steps are looking slightly better, but they are still very wobbly and difficult.
• He was able to walk approximately 75 feet with his walker WITHOUT a break! I am amazed that just 11 weeks ago, he could only do about 4-5 steps before needing a break. He is also now  far faster and has much better form than he did 11 weeks ago.
• Speaking of form, he is on his own remembering to get his heels to the floor when walking with his walker. It isn't every time or even 1/2 the time, but he is doing it. Heel strikes pre-SDR were impossible.
• At a doctor's appointment this week, it was determined that he has gained approximately 2 lbs. since his surgery in November. Gaining weight has always been difficult for him and he has been underweight his entire life, even when on a high calorie diet. The doctors have attributed this to the spasticity in his body. Now that it is gone, he is hopefully starting to catch up.

That's all for this week! 

BYE!!

If you are interested in donating to Andrew's therapy and medical expenses, click on www.youcaring.com/helpandrewwalk .