intense pt Feb 2012

Starting over is never fun:) I say that to say this--so Christian had his baclofen pump installed Jan 4Th and we are now here in Sikeston to do his intense physical therapy program. This worked out perfectly as far as timeline with getting the pump. He was able to have enough time to heal and then come here to get him familiar with using his "new" body. I say "new" because as I've explained before he was used to using his body one way to function (walk, sit, stand..) and now he has to learn a different way. I would say more correct way to do those things.

Today was day 7 of therapy. The first week was well let's just be honest...for me it was a struggle to watch Christian not be able to do things like stand and walk as well as he used to. And again this is because he's working with a different body not because of his therapist or anything like that. Actually I feel like her job is harder because now she is having to rethink how to teach Christian to use his new body. This means finding new motivators, new techniques. I have to admit the first week was kind of a bummer for me considering I'm use to seeing him differently. I guess what I mean is he didn't have to struggle so much. Basically Christian has no strength in his butt muscles so when he stands he just sticks his butt out and doesn't use them to straighten himself up. I think it's important to say that everyday of therapy or things we do are not always great. It's easy to put the highlights on here and leave out the low lights but that's not realistic. Sometimes raising a child with special needs is frustrating, sad, and hardwork. That's just the reality of it.

On day 3 we saw better standing...meaning standing up straighter and pushing up more on his own. Day 4,5 was even better as far as standing and pushing the weights with his legs. Day 5 he did a little walking. Today day 7 we did mostly all walking. I was so excited for him!! He used his pacer walker. I don't have video because I was helping. sorry. I have video of some other things that he did. He is mostly working on strengthening his legs and butt, standing, and walking.

THANK YOU-to all of those who contributed to getting Christian here to this therapy program. We appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

Robyn