Sister Alison, Uncle Joe, Neil, Aunt Shelly, Cousin MeghanWhen Neil was born he had what was then called "club feet." The doctors put tiny little casts on his newborn feet and legs for a few weeks, then he was upgraded to these cool booties connected with a bar. (The bar actually made a nice handle for diaper changing!) Eventually the bar came off and he learned to walk in backward shoes. Neil's left foot never did straighten out entirely, but it never slowed him down.
Neil's wearing different boots now for almost the same reason. Patients who are in bed for a long time tend to get "drop foot." The achilles tendon tightens up and it can be very difficult to stretch it out enough to walk again. So Neil wears these adorable, sheepskin-lined Uggs at various times throughout the day. They're open at the toes and heels so he doesn't get too hot. To add to this stylish ensemble, he also wears air-filled leggings on his calves. Tubes full of air massage his legs to help keep blood clots from forming. I'm telling you, this guy is quite the trend setter! All the patients in the ICU seem to be wearing them now!
Not a lot of change since yesterday. His eyes are opening a little more, but still not focusing. Kind of a quiet day. Talking to various rehab facilities about where he'll be moved to when the time comes. We'll keep you up to date.
--Lori
4 comments:
I totally remember the booties! I also remember how long he had to wear his shoes on the wrong feet. Fun picture too. I love Aunt Shelly's and my acid washed jeans...too cool! Hang in there and we'll all keep hoping an praying for lots of improvements, even small ones because it's definitely a step in the right direction! Love to all and please let Neil know how much we love him and how much we're pulling for him over here CO!
Love,
Meghan
I have always tell my friends about my cousin Neil who has a foot condition similar to Kate's and reference his foot correction procedures 18 years ago as we go through Kate's long process to fix her feet. The foot drop is a serious problem - glad they are keeping up on that. And those massage legging things? I had those when I had Kate in May. Never had them before with my other 2 c-sections but did this time around. The massaging felt great, actually. Thanks for the update, as always.
Love ya,
Meredith
Little is more precious than those baby steps we take that become memories of the milestones in our lives. It is awesome to be able to share and celebrate those with you!!! Praying for God's continued blessing and healing! Nancy
Just a quick note from us out here in Dixie. Dad (Uncle Cal) reads the blog faithfully every day to see how you are all doing. He is very concerned as we all are. We all send our love and hugs!!! I know your mom will supply plenty for all of us. I am glad she can be with you!
Thank you for your words of faith, hope, and love. It is amazing how the Lord blesses us in adversity. We do become more Christ-like and we are reminded (again and again...) about our real purposes here. Families rule!!! And thank the Lord they are forever. So glad to have you guys as family though it has been years since we have seen each other.
Love,
Terry (and Uncle Cal and Aunt Daryl)
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