Shriner's January 2018

Well, our Shriner's six month follow up appointment didn't go as well as we had hoped for this time. It was the first time Doc W. had seen Dayton walk and the results were kind of a bummer. She noticed that his left side was atrophied and not developing the same as the right. She noticed he had a noticeable limp and that the left leg was a lot tighter and smaller than the right. She told us that this was the start of a relapse. If the left leg continued to tighten, it would start to pull the foot back in and the treatment would be a lot harder to fix the problems. So we decided we would cast him that day. He would wear the cast for two weeks and then re-assess. If it looks good, he is done. He may need another cast for two more weeks. Mentally I am planning on the second cast so I'm not let down if he needs one. 
      Needing the cast was a real surprise. I just wasn't mentally prepared and thinking about him being so much more aware of what is going on, I figured the casting was going to be so much harder. Not to mention trying to get around with this giant thing stuck to his leg now that he is so mobile. It really had me worried. 
     The part that had me the most stressed though, was her concern that his left side wasn't developing at the same rate as the right which may be an indication he may have cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury at birth that can cause physical abnormalities. It is not progressive so if Dayton had it, it would be a very minor case but his left leg/possibly side may not develop the same as the right for his whole life. 
       This has been really weighing on my mind. I knew that clubfoot would be hard but I also knew it was reversible. Yes, he could have long lasting affects but hopefully not severe. If it is CP, the long lasting impact and struggle could be much more than initially anticipated and that is hard on a Momma's heart. No one wants to think that their child is going to struggle more than other children. And of course,if it's a brain injury during pregnancy or at birth, was there something I could have done to prevent it? In most cases the answer is absolutely not but of course those questions and what if's go through your head when you are faced with a possible diagnosis. 
      After studying CP, Jeff is leaning more towards the leg being smaller because he is compensating because it is relapsing. He said if he really had CP, it is looking like it is just presenting in his one leg which is super rare. Usually if it's one limb affected, it is the arm. Only time will tell. We will have to watch him and decide if we feel that left side just isn't catching up. If it's not catching up, the only way to test is through an MRI. Diagnosing it early doesn't have a lot of advantages but may change the way the doctor does her treatment. 
     I know that things are going to be ok and that things could have been SO much worse but it was still a lot to process when you were hoping for a 20 minute appt and a "he looks great" which we have had in the past. I'm trying to be patient but I feel like it's always in the back of my mind. 
     On a more positive note,I was SO worried about how he would be able to get around and about 20 min after we were home, Jaston got on the ground with Dayton and started placing his bottle and toys just out of reach and having him scoot to them. Then he would go a little further and a little further. Once he had the scooting down, he moved to crawling and was even walking within like an hour. I was so relieved that he had adapted so quickly. Getting from the floor to standing is hard for him and he wears out quickly, but considering what he has strapped to his leg he has done such a good job! He wants it off, and doesn't love the little shoe that helps with traction. He has been waking up some in the night too so I think he's hurting a little. Overall I have been so pleased with his adaptability. This kid has been through so much but he is tough and he adapts quickly. I sure am proud of our strong little man. Love you buddy!