Physical Therapy and balance beams!

Lucy was a shining star (again) today in therapy!  

Now that Lucy is walking, she is ready to take on the world... and by the world, I mean every single adult, child, toy, book, chair- anything in her way she is climbing on, pulling on, running over... all while using her new found voice and saying 'I SEE!' 

Remember a few posts ago, I told you how our therapist said the 'trunk' and core muscles are related to speech and volume?  Well, Lucy's must be getting stronger because she is LOUD!  The other morning she was up at 2:30 in the morning... why?!  To talk, of course!  She was SO LOUD... I even turned the monitor off and could still hear her babbling away for hours... Heck... can I complain?!  Nope.  There is no one in the world I would rather hear babbling at 2:30 am... :)

Anyways, on to the therapy today...

Once again, Hilary (the Physical Therapist) was so impressed by Lucy's weekly progress.  

Our challenges at the moment are: 

1.  Her gait is still wide.  It's getting better, and will improve, but we are working on bringing her legs in closer together while she walks.

2.  Weight shifting.  Again, this is the BIGGEST thing after hip surgeries of any age!  

Lucy prefers to start off with her left foot.  (the 'bad' side.)  I thought that was a good thing... well, it's not!  Hilary said we need to force her to put weight over the left side, meaning starting with the right!  Confusing, I know.  She said just to force her to do the opposite of what she is doing. :-)  This is why SO many kids have a slight limp after surgeries... When the muscles are not worked properly, stretched properly, and in different directions, it throws off the alignment of the body.  

Even through these last few months of PT, Lucy is STILL tight in some of her muscles.  I mean, come on... a hip cast and being totally immobile for 16 weeks, what can you expect??  Also, in Lucy's surgery, the adductor tendon was 'released' aka 'spliced' to lengthen it, to release the bone to be put back in place.  That has to all be re-worked now that it's in a new place... Won't happen overnight, but man... it's way more in depth than I thought... 

We did a lot of work on the balance beam today... Of course, Lucy loved it.  She got to take balls to the basket via the balance beam.  Then she got to 'jump' off with the therapist and LOVED it!  The balance beam is going to teach her to walk with her legs closer together.  Again, working the muscles.  (Adduction muscles I believe they are called.) 

While on the balance beam, Hilary pointed out what Lucy was doing.  It is another example of weight shifting, or lack thereof.  She will take a huge step with her left foot, then a smaller step with her right.  Then a HUGE step with her left, small with the right.  To be on the balance beam and swing that right leg around requires a huge weight shift over the left part of the pelvis.  Again, so many kids have a limp because of this!  She isn't strong enough yet, but she will be!  I am going to have Aaron make Lucy a balance beam next week, and we will be all over that sucker every morning!  

So all in all, another great week... I feel like we learn so much every time we go to therapy with her.  I also think we got lucky to get such a great therapist.  She has been a God send to us!  Again, I can't recommend PT enough.  If your child has had a hip surgery- DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE!  Find a pediatric therapy clinic and go.

Have a great rest of the week, and think of us melting here in Phoenix!  High of 104 today!!!!  

Here is the babe getting ready to go up the balance beam

We went to a local high school yesterday and did the stairs!  We practice going up- starting with the right... then starting with the left.  Then going down, lowering with the right- then with the left.  Lateral movement is SO important!

Getting ready to jump off!  WEEEE!  Another great sensory thing for Lucy, feeling the ground on her feet after a soar in the air!  Of course, she can't really jump yet, but Hilary would lift her and fly her through the air and have her land on her feet. :-)

More balance beam work to work her adductor muscles and narrow her gait

Stairs at PT  Why she loves these so much, I have no idea... 

Obstacle course.  She had to step over each beam and hula hoop starting with the right foot... Weight shift!

Her reward after doing the stairs yesterday!

Halloween X-Ray and more PT

Hello friends and Team Lucy fans! :-)

Just got back from yet another awesome therapy session.  Would you believe it is STILL close to 100 degrees here?!  It's supposed to drop down in the mid to low 90's soon, but MAN!  It's HOT!  

We did half of therapy today indoors, and half outdoors.  Thank goodness for shade!

Lucy is really turning into a little wild woman!  It was hard in the PT indoor room since there are other kids there doing their therapy, and here is Lucy... stealing their toys, running around and laughing... You can't hold her down now... ha!

We did a lot of work with an exercise ball.  A big one... She would have L lay on her side, back and front, and hold her by the legs and roll her on the ball.  WEEE!  Lucy was flying on that ball!  Natural instinct would have you put your hands down on when you see the floor approaching, and Lucy did!  Hilary said it is really stretching her out, and it's working her core and back, as if she is doing baby sit ups.  Laying on her side on the ball was awesome, since she had to flip herself back over to a sitting position if she wanted to sing the 'bouncy ball' song... I have a ball like that at home... brand new.  Bought it thinking I would exercise.  HA!  YAH RIGHT!  So it's going to perfect for Lucy... see, I knew it would come in handy at some point.

:-)

Another thing we were told to keep up at home is her carrying something in front of her while walking.  Lucy, being a new walker, loves to hold her arms out to the sides for balance.  If we give her something to hold, she brings the item and her arms to her chest, which helps balance.  We bought a small fan the other day, and the box is just perfect... Funny how a box can entertain her for hours... 

So, we headed out to the playground and Hilary had her climb up the ladder to go down the slide... over and over and over... The steps on the ladder were really far apart... Like for example, Lucy's knees while climbing were even with her hips.  Lots of stretching and muscle work today.  Hilary noticed that Lucy resisted a little when climbing with her left side. (The surgery side.)  She said, 'let's go in, I want to check her hips.'  UM WHAT!?  I about died on the spot.  What the heck is going on?  So we went inside, and she did a full hip exam and said, 'she's great, she has great range of motion, but she is still cautious to push herself to the next level.'  WHEW.  So, of course I said, 'is her hip in still?!'  She said if it was out, Lucy would be in agony.  She was just checking her motion.  BUT, of course, paranoia sets in and I think the worst.  WHEW.............

Anyways, Hilary said she is blown away at how different Lucy's walk is even from last week!  Her gait isn't as wide.  She used to walk with her legs far apart, and now, they are in closer.  I honestly attribute this to the physical therapy.  I am so happy that we are doing this!  

I told Hilary as we left that I keep reminding myself that this isn't over.  It's a crappy thought to have, but we are still waiting on the pelvic bone to deepen.  What Hilary said is this.  The muscles have JUST as much to do with this as the bones themselves do.  Muscles encourage bone growth.  If the muscles are not strong and stretched around the bone, the bone will not grow as it should. It also can lead to a re-dislocation or partial re-dislocation... I didn't know that.  So stretching and working the muscles is essential for success.  Every day I just hope and pray that we don't have to face another surgery!  I want to be the small percentage of one surgery success stories!

Our next appointment with the surgeon for a follow up has been moved back 2 weeks to October 31.  WHAT!?  I didn't really want a Halloween appointment, let a lone wait another 2 weeks... UGH.  I am just going to keep calling every day to see if there has been a cancellation.  I just want it over with.

Anyways, the babe is sleeping- which is normally a mother's cue to clean and do laundry.  Not this momma.  This is my cue to join Lucy and take a nap!  Laundry can wait... :-)  

Have a good day!

Why sit in the grocery store car when you can stand the whole time?!  Hey, at least she was quiet and I got some shopping done. :)

Even though it's play time, I still like her to 'work' her hips!

The sun was SO bright in her eyes!  Playing at the park like a big kid!

I don't think there is a day that will go by that this picture will not make me smile :)

The newest member of our family- Lucy's little sister, Lily!  Coming January 24th, 2013

Walk before you run!

Hello blogging world! 

WOW how our lives have changed in the last few weeks!  Not only is Lucy taking steps, she is full on walking... She doesn't even bother with crawling anymore.  Walking is way more fun!

We just got home from yet another awesome physical therapy session.  I swear, every time we go, I learn something new... 

Today Hilary really got to evaluate Lucy's walk.  She was only taking a few steps last session which was 2 weeks ago.  She noticed a few things.  Lucy's ankle is weak and needs some toning up.  That will all happen in time, or with the help of some shoe inserts.  For now, walking on un-even surfaces is the best thing for her right now... Walking over pillows, inclines, grass... anything that makes her work her ankles.  Lucy also walks with her legs out a bit.  Of course, this is to be expected from a new walker, plus after being in the 'spica' position for so long.  So we are doing a few things to 'bring her legs together' as she walks.  

1.  Hilary told us to build a pathway for Lucy using blocks, toys, boxes, whatever we have at home.  Make the path as narrow as a balance beam width and have her walk through it.  That way she isn't able to kick her legs out to the side.  Makes sense, right?!

2.  Compression vest!  Yep... sounds weird, but again- it all goes back to the sensory and proprioception that I talked about in my last post.  It's basically like Spanx for babies! haha!  She is supposed to wear this vest for a few hours each day as she walks and plays.  It helps give her stability, as well as good posture.  Right now, Lucy puts her hands up for balance and literally tries to RUN forward.  She falls a lot because she has zero concept of slowing down to re gain balance.  (Can't blame the kid!)  So this vest offers compression to the hips, shoulders and body to give her the best possible posture for walking.  I was scared to death yesterday watching her walk. She goes so fast and falls forward, then gets up to do it all over again.  She has bruises, scrapes, you name it- all over her knees!  I guess it's all part of being a 'big kid!'

Hilary said we will give the vest a shot for a few weeks, and change out to compression leggings if we need to.  When Lucy first put the vest on, it was amazing!  She almost immediately dropped her arms to the sides.  It was giving her the balance she needed.  She acted drunk for the first few steps, because with good posture, shoulders are back.  Hers are always forward since she is leaning to 'go!'  Once she got the hang of this vest, her gait looked SO much better!

I hate the thought of yet another contraption to strap on this kid, but if it helps her, then great.  We will do it!  Our therapist is letting us borrow this one, but to order them, they are around $300.  

Here is the link to the vest:  SPIO vest

Another cool thing we learned today is that the trunk muscles and core muscles are linked to talking!  Yep, someway, somehow... once those muscles are toned up, the child can speak louder and have a better idea of how to form sentences.  Who knew?!?! 

In exactly one month from today, we have our 6 month post cast removal x-ray.  I am already feeling sick to my stomach about it.  UGH.   Trying not to let it ruin our joy right now, but it's hard!  I just hope and pray for perfect news. :-)

Here are some pics!  Have a great rest of the week...

She thinks that the store is her very own personal playground...

Light Bright at the Museum

This is what the compression vest looks like... Kinda like batgirl!

She looks so cute in it!

\

Getting ready for her baby sister to arrive in 4 months

Now that I officially have a walking baby, I use this bubble bath every night!

Progress and PT

It's only been our 4th physical therapy session, but WOW!

I officially have a baby who can take steps on her own!  TEN in a row to be exact!  I officially have a baby who can stand up on her own without pulling up on anything!  I officially have a baby who has the confidence in her legs again to go after what she wants... 

Man, I have to admit. This year has been SO crappy for us!  Between casts, surgeries, doctor's appointments, etc...  BUT seeing little  Lucy walking around makes me so proud, so happy, and so amazed at this perfect little girl I am raising. :-)

As some of you know, we took a 2 week vacay to La Jolla, California near San Diego.  We had a blast!  Lucy got to walk on all different textures.  Her therapist, Hilary, says sand is the best thing for her to walk in!  (Remember from my last post, we are working on developing her sensory and proprioception.)  We walked on the beach, walked to the park, walked everywhere!  She still needed to hold my hand, of course, but she has the motivation to GO!  Those little things like walking in the grass barefoot, we take for granted here in AZ 7 months of the year!  Poor thing, if she tried to walk in grass here, her feet would burn...

Today I was so excited to show Hilary how Lucy takes steps... Lucy was totally hamming it up, walking all around the room from toy to toy.  Hilary was SO proud.  She says Lucy has the drive to do anything she wants... (that's half the battle.)  So many kids lose so much proprioception and motivation during a cast for months and months, that it takes time to build that up again.  Hilary says developing her proprioception is key.  That way Lucy won't tippy toe anymore.  

A few things we have been doing at home (recommended by Hilary) are massage, and pressure point therapy.  Now that Lucy is mobile, she doesn't even want to lay still for her massage, so that's getting frustrating!  Also, we have been making her 'work for it.'  For example, when we do a puzzle.  I put the puzzle pieces on the ground, and the puzzle on her table.  I make her bend down to pick out a piece, then she can put it on the puzzle.  Sometimes I have a small pillow or stool near, and I have her walk over the stool or pillow to go get the pieces.  Remember, we are working on her core, legs and hips.  All of that has to get super strong again... She actually enjoys doing her therapy work, so that makes it less like 'work.'

I still go behind her when she crawls, and offer resistance to her ankles and legs.  I just meet her resistance.  One thing with DDH babies, after the cast removal they still crawl with their hips flexed outwards, not under them... picture standing there, then just sticking out your booty. (haha, I know...) that's how hip babies move.  We need to teach Lucy to put her hips back in, in alignment with her core.  Again, we are trying to teach her not to compensate.  She needs to learn it right from the beginning. :-)

She got to walk up stairs today with help, alternating which foot to start with.  She seems to favor starting with her left. (her DDH side.)  Why?!  Hilary said she isn't comfortable with shifting her weight to the other side.  She reminded me that just because her left side is the affected side, her right side was also casted, and we need to nurture and work with that side as well.

All in all, I am SO thrilled with her progress!  We are 7 months post surgery (almost),  3 months post cast removal, and almost 2 months free of her brace. (Only at night)... so for her being totally free for not even 2 months, the progress is unreal!

I also have noticed now that she is mobile, her words are coming together.  She has started to say 'tree', 'go', 'bee', 'gone', and a few other words all in the last 2 weeks.  It's like it's all clicking together...

Here are some pics... The first 2 are L at PT, where the ball pit is the hit of the party.  We are going to build her one. Again, it's the sensory thing... Also, if the balls are hip height, making her walk through the pit is another awesome exercise for her hips... 

Hugs from AZ

The awesome ball pit... It's just PVC pipe and tarp!  The balls are super cheap at Toys R Us and Target.

I am totally going to make one for our back yard!

Work those hips!

So are you melting at how cute she is?!  I know, I know... she's a total babe.

I turn my head for one minute, and she climbs up on the coffee table...

... and walks all around the couch....

The babe of the beach!

Daddy showing her the sea lions at La Jolla Cove

I LOVE YOU LUCY!

Just another day at the beach..

Physical Therapy #2

Hello again!

Well, here we are at physical therapy week 2.

I have to say, I have noticed a huge improvement in Lucy this last week since we have been doing the things we were told to do.

Ms. Hilary, Lucy's physical therapist, was also impressed at how well Lucy is doing...

Now, don't get me wrong.  Lucy does NOT want her touching her, messing with her, pulling on her... nothing.  So, we go very slow, and Hilary shows us some new 'moves.'

Like I said before, the weight shift from left to right, and right to left are HUGE.  Lucy loves to rest on her right, lean to the right, etc.  It's more comfortable.  I have to keep shifting her legs to the left, and put things that she wants on the left so she can reach and grab for them.  Sounds so simple, but it's a big deal!  

Her crawling has improved.  Not even close to perfect, but she will get there!  She likes to hold her left leg out, putting all the pressure on the right, and sort of 'hop' along.  This is when I go behind her, hold her legs straight, and give some resistance while she is crawling.  Resistance is key!  Hilary said not to let her push things around without there being some resistance.  If we do, it's encouraging her to lean forward and hunch her back... we want her standing up straight, working those muscles.

I am VERY proud to announce that Lucy has been standing on her own!  About 10-15 seconds... she tries to take a step, and BAM, right on the bum... but hey. she is trying!  It seems like her core is stronger to me this week, and that is so good!  That's what we want!

The biggest thing I learned today is that this DDH nonsense goes far beyond surgery and casts.  Hilary explained to us that due to being in a body cast for so long, Lucy has lost a lot of body awareness.  She said kids who haven't been through trauma and casts are body aware.  Kids who have, need more sensory therapy.  Remember, Lucy's cast went from her chest to her toes, so those areas didn't get touched at all!  Touch is so important for a baby.  She wants us to do baby massage and pressure point therapy every day.  (Lucy is like 'hey, right on!!!')  She said Lucy feels a bit out of control right now, and by making her more aware of her body, it will put the final piece of the puzzle together.  Doesn't that make sense?!  It does to me, totally.

So, she got out some lotion, I was holding Lucy on my lap.  She put it on her hands, let her rub it in, and showed me different techniques of massage.  Lucy LOVED it.  She actually let Hilary get close enough to do this.  Then she moved on to her feet and legs... Lucy just sat there and was amazed.  Hilary said, 'Lucy is craving this sensory therapy.'  As I sat there and held her, I fought back tears since it broke my heart.  My poor little girl.  She has been through so much trauma in her little life, and all she wants is to be touched, held and loved.  I love her so much, I just wish I could make this all better for her right now.  That may sound crazy to people who haven't been through this with their kids, but for those who have, you will totally get it.  This type of therapy is so far beyond a cast and muscle strength.  This is something most 'normal kids' get automatically, with no problems... Lucy however, is craving this and needs momma more then ever to make this right.  

I told Hilary how I have been so afraid to touch her leg and hip area.  I seriously slide the diaper under her when changing her, and I do treat her like an eggshell.  I put lotion and wash her left leg SO fast, since it scares the heck out of me!  I want to do everything to avoid hurting her, or having her hip re-dislocate... Now that I know the hip is in, I need to relax more and focus more on making Lucy aware that there ARE little legs there, and they WILL work!

On top of regular massage, we are supposed to do 'deep pressure points.'  Basically the thumb and pointer finger are used to apply pressure on areas to help stimulate the nervous system to recognize them.  She said this will help with Lucy's tip toeing, and trying to make herself feel 'grounded.'  She has to trust those limbs again...

Like I said before, all of this would eventually work itself out, but why have her compensate?!

Anyways... before we left, we got to go in a different PT room where there were older kids.  There was a huge ball pit in there with thousands of balls.  We put Lucy in there and she sank all the way to her chin.  :-)  I thought she would flip out, but no... she sat there for about 15 minutes, LOVING it.  I thought it was so weird that she was so calm, and Hilary said that she is used to feeling 'out of control.'  The balls are putting pressure on her body, making her feel 'in control' again, just like the cast did.  She said that just because the cast is off, doesn't mean Lucy has forgotten.  

This is what makes me so sad.  I know she is a baby, and probably won't remember this in fifteen years, but the effects like this are so noticeable.  How many times can I say this, why couldn't I have the surgery and cast for her?  Frustrates me to no end, but we gotta move forward and deal with what is in front of us... 

So, the homework for this week is massage and pressure points, along with the things that we talked about last week.  

We are going on vacation so won't be in PT for a few weeks, but I have enough to keep me busy. :)

SENSORY is the big thing we need to focus on.  Ball pits, baskets full of different items, play doh, anything to stimulate the senses.  The nervous system and muscles all have to work as a team to get the best results!

Here are a few pics and the massage info:

The baby Goose waiting for her appointment... 

This was at Gymboree last night.  Inclined mats to crawl up are awesome for resistance

We went to Peter Piper Pizza after Gymboree!  She loved it!

I saw this and had to post it.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it. 

No explanation needed.

These pics are on an adult but you get the idea :)

First day of physical therapy

Today was the babe's first day of PT.

I am really happy with how it went!  Her therapist's name is Ms. Hilary.  She was very, very nice, and knew not to get too close just yet... (Lucy is skeptical of new people!)  

The place we go to is called Horizon Pediatric Therapy in Mesa, AZ.  It's a home that has been turned into a PT place.  What's nice about that is it doesn't have that sterile, cold feeling like a doctor's office does.  

Hilary was actually very pleased with Lucy as she is!  She said that her range of motion in her leg is really good, and her posture is near perfect!  What we are focusing on is for Lucy to re train herself to trust her leg and hip again.  Hilary said the muscle tightness would/could 'eventually' work itself out, maybe.  BUT, if you start PT right after a surgery, you will teach the baby to walk using the hip first, not their knee and leg.  She said it's a lot harder to correct a gait when a child is older.  It seems we are getting Lucy in at the perfect time.  Hilary also told us that she is impressed that Dr. Segal recommended PT, because most orthopedic doctors don't.  She feels that EVERY child who has been in a spica cast could benefit from PT.  So, if your child has been in a cast, or will be soon... push for PT!  What can it hurt?!  

I asked her how long she thinks it will take Lucy to re train herself and to walk... she said 'very soon!'  She is proud that Lucy has the desire, and tries to walk on her own already.  (She falls flat, but hey... she is trying!)  She said having the desire is half the battle.  

Lucy has only been out of her brace for 2 weeks.  We are so proud of how well she is doing!  I forgot how it feels to have her crawling on me. Smothering me.  Not stopping for a second.  I can't complain ONE bit about it, because I remember her in her cast just sitting there.  I will take EVERY single thing I can, as long as she is moving and happy!  (Please remind me of this when she is running in a million directions and I am carrying a newborn and chasing her at the same time.)

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the things the PT suggested we do.  They aren't 'huge' big things, but I can absolutely see how this will help her.  I will explain as we go...

Remember, these were meant for Lucy at her stage, so don't take this as generic for all babies her age after surgery. Ask your doctor before starting anything! :-)

Sorry it's on it's side, no clue how to fix it. :)

Anywho... have the child on your lap and have them stand on their own to play with magnets on the fridge. This will strengthen the LEG muscles. Don't let them push backwards first.  Always have them shift the weight forward.

I thought this would be cool.  You can use a child sized swimming pool and fill it with balls, toys...whatever. Have them crawl in and out of it.

Kicking. It seems like L will mostly kick with her 'good leg' aka the right one.  We need to work more on her kicking with the left.

This is to stabilize the hips to get them in shape for walking. 

L tends to turn her foot outward, so the PT said to keep forcing it straight. 

(I think this is all I am going to be doing for the next month. Putting her foot straight.)

She said the repetition of doing this, it will train her to put it straight.

Our PT room :-)  Daddy came too!

I have noticed L will usually only re shift weight to her right side, not her left.  This will force her to use that hip!

She said to use a stool and have them practice getting up and down

This was another thing we were supposed to do! (Notice her left foot turning out.  Drives me crazy and I have to keep correcting it.)  Balancing on one leg... 

Pool... instead of just letting her free kick, sway them horizontally.  Let the water flow do it's thing!  It will help loosen the muscles.

Weird picture, huh?!  No clue why the kid is wearing a weird hat, but anyways... 

This is pretty self explanatory...

YAY I am awesome at this!

This is what is going to keep me busy.  I will upload a video of Lucy's crawl.  She goes FAST, but has her left leg extended out straight.  It's like a scoot more than a crawl.  I am supposed to follow behind her, put her legs in line, and give resistance.  Great.  I can see knee pads in my future!

Would you know she had a cast on 8 weeks ago?!  Seriously?  I have a future ROCKETTE on my hands...

This was another big one.  Again, the weight shift.  L doesn't do this yet... we need to work on this one...

She also said don't let her sit in the 'W' position, which is where both legs are almost tucked behind them.  It makes it WAY too easy to not use the hips.  

Lunch after!  YAH!

This one sounds fun.  She said if they are crawling up hill, or over pillows, they can't scoot.  They will be forced to use their hip.

Her Gymboree class has inclined mats, so those are going to be great! 

So all in all, it went really well.

We have tons of new things to do with her... 

I am also glad that she feels Lucy will be able to walk really well and really soon!  YAH!

Over and out from SUNNY Arizona... home of the 110 degree daily weather...