We are Five Kid Life

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Life has been non stop... SPML AGAIN and NAPA has begun

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I always want to come here yet never have the time. I honestly do not get any time for myself. Having 5 kids and their sports and therapy all while running a business leave very little time for me. Brendan joined Drama this year as well as basketball. Some days he had both! He was in a school play (very small part) but it was so great to see him part of something like that. He absolutely loved it. They did Little Shop of Horrors and it was an excellent play. His siblings wanted to watch it multiple times and then we had to rent the movie. Brendan's challenger basketball team won the state champs! They rode the bus back to school with a police escort. HOW COOL?! Brendan has been growing like a weed. He hit 5' tall which means he is catching up to me! His knees became crouched so badly again that I knew he needed SPML, again. This was his 3rd round. Although his spasticity is gone he still has some tone issues and his tendons don't grow properly due to having spasticity for 1...
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Let's talk braces. AFO, DAFO, SMO

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Brendan has worn leg braces since he was just 2 years old! He was always put into AFO's. AFO is short for Ankle Foot Orthosis. I never knew any better. I thought the orthopedics and doctors knew what they were doing and that was the brace he needed. 12 years later I realize I completely disagree with putting your child into AFO's. It completely limits them and does NOT allow them to gain any muscle mass. I was told to have Brendan wear them all day long. Always while walking, always while in his stander, basically he shouldn't do anything without them on. I wasn't as internet savy then as I am now. I did try to research and belonged to some support groups but honestly life raising a disabled child was so different 12 years ago. I am sure you learn as you go but often we just listen to these professionals and truley believe they know best. 12 years ago Brendan had zero muscle mass in his legs. He serioulsy had chicken legs. His thighs were the almost the same size as his...
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SPML.....AGAIN!!!

Well after growing over 3 inches recently Brendan needs SPML. This time we are headed to Texas where Dr. Yngve will operate on him. He is having a lot done at once but I am super excited to see him progress afterwards. Brendan is having both hamstrings released, a left groin release with alcohol block, right pec release with alcohol block and right elbow tendon transfer. His arm will be casted for one month and then he has to wear a splint for 2 months. Sounds like a lot but it will be worth it. We will be in Texas for 6 nights. It will be the very first time I leave Lily behind. I am sad about it but I know I can't handle her on my own while he has surgery. What is SPML: Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening, also known as PERCS for percutaneous, is a non-traditional, orthopedic tendon/muscle lengthening/release that is minimally invasive, with minimal scarring, for children and adults. Selective refers to select areas of tightness caused by spasticity. Percutaneous � an i...
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