The Buckles Family

I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you about our day.  I was up this morning at 4:30 to get everyone ready to head to Children's for Taylor's follow-up appointment with her orthopedic surgeon.  Taylor was pretty certain that she was going to get her cast off, even though I kept telling her it was possible that the cast would have to stay on.  We got to the hospital for her 8:30 a.m. appointment, and then we waited... and waited... and waited.  We weren't given a room until 11:00, and the doctor finally came in at 11:10.  We talked for about 30 seconds before she left to call our orthotist, and she returned 30 minutes later (not kidding).  The issue was that Taylor had a tendon transfer during her surgery.  That transfer needs to be protected for 3 months (we're only 5 1/2 weeks out), but the surgeon doesn't necessarily want her in a cast for the entire time.  We need to have a brace made that will protect her foot at all times -- no walking without it AT ALL.  Once a plan was in place, we were taken to the casting room where Taylor's cast was cut off.  What a relief for her!  She also had a button (yes, a real button -- I'll post pictures soon) attached to the bottom of her foot that has been holding the tendon in the proper position until it had time to heal.  The button was removed, and then we waited another hour until someone could make a mold of Taylor's foot for the new brace to be made.  Once the mold was done, Taylor's foot was re-casted.  Yes, she was less than thrilled to have another cast, but being Taylor, she took it in stride and made the best of it.  She chose a different color this time, going with a bright pink, which is actually very cute.  We finally left the hospital at 2:41 (ahem, that minute really did make a difference), but we still had to drive the new foot mold out to our orthotist's office about 45 minutes away (not on our way home).  We still hadn't eaten lunch, so we quickly went to McD's and then went to the orthotist.  Of course, when we got there, we were told they would not even look at our stuff until we have authorization from insurance.  Now, since we have a case manager, it shouldn't be too difficult to get, but our orthotist is notoriously slow.  Honestly, in most situations, we don't mind, because he does a fantastic job, but in this case we would like it to happen quickly.  The sooner the brace is made, the sooner Taylor can be out of her cast.  I guess you know what I'll be doing for the next few days!  Yes, I'll have to be THAT mom.  Ha!

O.k., I need to go, as I am completely exhausted.  I'll let you know as soon as they start on the brace.  Any guesses as to when it will be done?  Taylor's next appt. is in April; will she be out of her cast yet?

Oh, I posted a few new videos to youtube.  There is a link to one of them on our homepage.  It is of Erin speedwalking in her KAFOs, and we are just so proud of her.  She works sooo hard!  Actually, the last time she walked, her physical therapist didn't even hold on to her.  He sat in front of her and just guarded against her falling.  I didn't get to see it, but by all accounts, it was AMAZING!  There is also a really quick video of Jade learning to rollerskate, but I will have to take some video of her in her new rollerblades.  It didn't take her any time at all to become really good!  What a superstar!!

Gotta go!  Have a fantastic week!