His PT, Catie, mentioned a few weeks ago that we should try bracing it, with the soft immobilizer, for a few hours each day. After the first time he wore it, for about an hour, he immediately bent his arm back and began to cry when we took it off. This proved to us that his muscles are becoming very tight in that arm, and keeping it stretched for even a short period of time is painful for him. We are very concerned that it caused him so much discomfort. It lets us all know that he is at high risk of losing all function in that arm and hand.
We are now working up to bracing the arm 2 times a day, for six hours at a time. Six hours sounds like a long time for him to wear it, but his therapists say that is the magic number. Many studies have shown that bracing in a stretched position for six hours straight is best.
But unfortunately it comes at a cost. It hurts me so bad to see him braced, because he always keeps his hands together. When the brace is on, he can't reach his right hand, yet he tries so hard. It makes me want to cry watching him. It doesn't help that I'm pregnant and emotional anyways...
Cerebral Palsy will not get the best of him. I won't let it. We will fight even harder.
4 comments:
You go girl! Truitt couldn't ask for a better mommy. Hang in there and keep up the good work. One day all you do for Truitt will be worth it.
Love you all.
Lauren,
Truitt has the best mommy. I love seeing the pictures of him. Give him a big hug.
Lisa
Sweet baby boy!!!! You are so on the right track! Just keep reminding yourself of the advantages and how much this is helping him!!
Hugs!
Like I told Ashley, Life is a "winding river" - just make a goal of reaching each "bend"...
Love,
Scott G.
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