a blog about raising a daughter with cerebral palsy and learning unexpected lessons along the way

Monday, June 6, 2011

Post Surgery: Day 4

Four days down, post surgery, and things are moving along pretty well. We have no idea at this point what the gains and outcome will be yet from this procedure but one thing is for sure - Oia is ready to walk again. That's promising.


We have to gently bring her to her feet each day to at least have her bear some weight on her right leg. Overall, she is willing and today she walked a lot. She steps with assistance and support but this is mainly due to the fact that she is wearing a knee immobilizer. The immobilizer is providing a greater stretch to her hamstrings as she heals and she has been wearing it all day and night, without complaint, since the surgery. Today was actually the first day it came off for any amount of time (other than an incision check) for hippotherapy. After the hippotherapy session ended, I seated Oia on my lap so that the immobilizer could be put back on. I expected some resistance, er, a little fit from the Miss. Instead, Oia lifted her leg to help me put it back on - on her own will. Amazing.


Oia has been pain med free for the last 24 hours. Her knee is slightly swollen but nothing out of the ordinary. She is not in any discomfort that we can tell, another promising sign.


We are just continuing with life as we know it. Having my mother here to help with the lifting and carrying and entertaining has been a huge help. Though mentally, Oia is getting bored easier since her independence has been temporarily stolen but with a therapy session scheduled almost every day of the week, she stays stimulated and busy enough. Today Oia resumed hippotherapy since school is now over for summer. What better way to get around when you can't walk? She was thrilled to be back in the saddle again and rode like a pro - cast and all.



These picture are from today's session. Check out the control with Righty and the rings.

5 comments:

  1. Impressive use of righty indeed! I can't help but notice how everyone around her is grinning from ear to ear...Oia's smiles are infectious. :)

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  2. YES OIA DOES LOOK GOOD INDEED AND SHE MUST BE FEELING GOOD TO RIDE THIS SOON! THATS AWESOME!! THEY SAY THAT LITTLE ONES RECOVER QUICKLY.. SURE SEEMS TRUE IN THIS CASE!!

    MELISSA

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  3. Yay! She looks great! Glad things are going so well. :)

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  4. Such a trooper you have! So glad she's doing well - her face tells it all!

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