Neuro and PT both agree that Miss Zoe needs AFOs.

I don't know why but this makes me very sad.

AAWWW, ((((((Kamie)))))),



It's always hard when real-life doesn't turn out like the picture that we have in our heads. Voice of experience talking here

Take some time to cry and grieve for that image that doesn't exist anymore. Then dust yourself off and rejoice in what you do have.

I was looking over your photo albums the other day. I can't believe how fast they're both growing. Zoe's starting to get that long, lean look -- moving away from her baby fat.

They keep growing even when I'm not watching -- don't they

This has nothing to do with what we're talking about, but, it's related. When my Dad was 16, he caught his right arm in a machine in a carpet factory. The machine tore his arm up real bad. He was in the hospital for two years. Had to learn how to write left-handed.

My Father had the most beautiful hand-writing. AND, he created things -- solutions -- that, to this day, still amaze me that he was able to physically do it. My Mom had an old sewing bucket -- the strap that held the cover on broke. He spliced together some old leather -- looks like it might have come from an old belt. It's so precisely spliced that you almost can't see the splice. For him to be able to do something so precisely with the use of only one arm makes be just so proud of him.

My Dad has been gone since just after Thanksgiving 1977.

Tonight, I heard on the news that the researchers are testing a way for amputees to be able to communicate using their brain to make a prosthetic arm move. They move the nerves from the shoulder to the chest wall. Then the person who's lost her arm learns how to use her mind to make the nerves communicate and move the arm.

If my Dad had been injured now, they would have been able to give him back the use of his arm. He could only pick it up or down. He couldn't use his hand.

It just amazes that every type of illness or disease that I've lost relatives (or ex-spouse) to now has some sort of a treatment that gives, if not a cure, at least a much-much longer life.

What will be available for Zoe -- before she even finishes high school -- it just boggles my mind. There are miracles on the way for Miss Zoe. Believe it. I do

Kamie, you're gonna learn to love those AFOs, 'cause they're gonna give Zoe a way to do something NOW, until a better solution comes along.

BIG HUGS (and love).

(((hugs))). I had the same reaction when Langan got AFOs. BUT they have been a blessing for her. She wears them to school every day. We usually give her a break on the weekends, unless she is going to be doing any real walking or standing.

Our PT told me just a few weeks ago that she believes that the next set of AFOs will be the last ones Langan needs (we're in the process of ordering more b/c she is outgrowing these). She said Langan may need an insert in her shoe b/c her arch is so flat but she doesn't think she'll need AFOs after this next pair. AND she said that is in large part b/c Langan has worn them so much to develop her leg and ankle muscles.

Just wanted to throw that out there for you, as a light at the end of the tunnel. Our PT is not one to say things unless she is really convinced, so this news was wonderful to me. And it gives me inspiration to strap on those AFOs every morning when I really wish Langan could wear the cute little shoes her friends wear.

(((hugs)))

Katie just got hers yesterday. The pt said she only needs them for foot placement when standing though. Of course she doesn't need them for walking... she doesn't walk!!! Her feet roll over the ankle, just like Jake!

Yeh, it was disheartening, but hey, at least we could get them pink. And I think they're adorable, if that's how you want to think of braces!

Don't let it get ya down! Doesn't Zoe walk? Kinda aggravating finding shoes, but because Katie doesn't walk, we won't get any, and opted to get the non skid soles on the AFO's. If she needs them when she's older, I really want to get her some hatchbacks.

I would post a pic of them here, but I remember the foot freak emailer! But the pics are really cute!! Anybody can feel free to pm me to see the pics!

I had a similar reaction when Abby got her prescription. I did what we all do--gutted it out because we have to. The "gutting it out" didn't last long because the first day she wore them she took her first step and a few days later she was doing laps on the handrails at PT!

Hope they do the trick for Miss Zoe and then she outgrows her need for them. Abby hasn't worn any for three years or so.

Laurie