Today was our 6 month follow-up appointment at Shriner's Hospital. Both Jeremy and I went with the idea that nothing big was going to happen today. At our last appointment we got the impression that they were going to wait awhile before they fitted Jonathan with a prosthetic. I even told some friends yesterday that most likely nothing would happen today.
We were wrong- God surprised us!
They were amazed at Jonathan's ability, and who wouldn't be? Apparently, he is exceptional for his age, but we knew that. They felt he is more than ready to get a prosthetic. He will be getting a prosthetic leg complete with bending knee. He had his first fitting today. They measured him and wrapped a plaster like substance around his waist to create a mold of sorts. It was very interesting. We will get a call in about 2 weeks to go back for a second fitting and then about a month after that fitting we should have a leg! After he gets the prosthetic he will of course need physical therapy to learn how to use it. We will either have to return to Shriners for therapy or they are hoping to find a place closer to home for us, but apparently not all physical therapists are trained to work with children and esp. children with the type of prosthetic he is getting. Everyone is confident that he will adapt quite quickly to using the leg.
As a bonus, we were able to meet a 10 year old young man from Ohio, who was at Shriners for a week of therapy. He has the same type of prosthetic that Jonathan will be getting. Unless you looked closely it was difficult to tell that his leg with a prosthetic. It was interesting to listen to him talk about learning to use the prosthetic without crutches. It is our goal that with time Jonathan will be able to get around without his crutches, BUT this is a very physically and mentally demanding achievement. This young man told us that when he is out he uses the prosthetic, but when he comes home the prosthetic goes off and he uses his crutches. The one physical therapist confirmed for us that that is a normal pattern because of how physically demanding it is to use a leg prosthetic.
We showed this picture to the doctors and they were so impressed with his strength and ability that one of them is going to be using it in a presentation they are doing.
Almost forgot, we did go to Great Adventure on Monday. Everyone had fun and we didn't lose any kids or adults. Jonathan loved the rides but it was a LONG day for everyone.
Loved seeing the Flash and Robin, but can you tell it was a long day!
Favorite ride- the Airplane- rode at least 3 times in a row- benefit of Great Adventure not being crowded
Giraffe's got up close and personal!
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