Baby Steps

These are Lizzie's feet. No, she is not pointing her toes on purpose. Her right foot is somewhat clubbed, and the muscles around that ankle are atrophied. Next Wednesday, April 8th, she will have a minor surgery to hopefully correct the problem. The doctor will make an incision on the really tight tendon on the back, and skillfully cut the tendon in such a way that it will allow her foot to move into a neutral position. The doctors will then make a mold of both of her legs to use for making her first set of leg braces, and then put a cast on her right leg while it heals. I think the doctor said that she will be in the cast for about 3 months. (This is not her first time to wear a cast. Check the posts from last summer.)

One interesting thing about this surgery, is that Lizzie will be completely awake the entire time. Because she does not have any feeling in her lower legs or feet, the doctors will not knock her out. They will, however, give her a local anesthetic just to be on the safe side. I will not be allowed in the room while they are doing all of this, so Ms Deborah, our favorite nurse, is going to come on her day off to be with Lizzie in the OR. This is a huge relief to me. I know that Lizzie will freak out in a room full of strangers holding her down. Ms Deborah's presence will be a huge help.

I am not too sure how I feel about all of this. I am in tears just writing about it, and I don't know why. She has had seven previous surgeries, and they were all more serious than this one. She has had one surgery on her spine, four in or around her brain, one to put in her feeding tube, and one tracheotomy. I think i just hate the thought of any surgery for my baby girl. I think also that I am so used to seeing her foot like it is now, and I am mourning the change even though it is a good one. We have a terrible time getting shoes to stay on so I mostly put her in socks that look like mary jane shoes or ballerina slippers. This surgery will ultimately provide Lizzie with more independence and normalcy. Maybe it is because soon she will be able to practice standing up which means she is growing up. Lizzie is my baby that has stayed a baby in my heart for a long time because she can't walk. (Her mental development is on target the most part.) We carry her or stroll her everywhere like a baby even though she is almost 2. I am so grateful that David will be taking the day off to be at the hospital with us. Ms. Deborah will be there for Lizzie, and David will be there for me. He is my rock.

Please be praying that all goes well.