Exterior of rock - interior of mush

I have thrown myself into this whole casting plan like I do with almost everything. Full speed ahead, everyone out of my way, and fully engaged and focussed. A big pain you-know-where for those I work with unless you too are fully engaged and thrilled to be doing this. Mary Weck responded via email (no one else yet) that kinesio taping will probably not be required but we'll keep it in our arsenal for now. She mentioned theratogs but we've had those before and I hate them.

Inside I feel upset that she'll be in casts on both her legs - she hates to be casted and this is the first time both legs will be done. She likes to dress up and is a girly girl. I appreciated the sensitivity of the two women who are heading the program but I truly hated seeing the photos of the kids in their casts - never mind they were playing baseball, basketball, dressed for Halloween. It made my heart sink. I know it wasnt a correct or fair analogy, but when I put on Gracie's AFO for the first time I felt like the Phantom of the Opera's mom putting on his mask for the first time. I felt terrible. Not that it seems like such a big deal now. But seeing the casts and how awkward they are with those big old ugly cast shoes, I felt very bad. I know, in my heart, that this is the only choice we have. I want to save surgery as a last alternative. But I still feel heart sick to put her through this.

I've been psyching her up. At least she doesnt start school with them on and this five week break from wearing her AFO,while she looks awful in her walk, is something she is enjoying tremendously. I asked her how she feels about the casting. She keeps wanting to know for how long. Which no one can really tell her - so I tell her to think it will go 20 weeks - around my birthday in Feb - and if it gets done sooner than thats gravy. She is unhappy with that. But I am trying to get her focussed on when she gets the braces - how she will slowly work out to wearing only a night brace. But it takes a whole year - something that is somewhat beyond her comprehension.

For people who dont have kids that require special care (the club no one wants to belong to), the AFOs are a huge pain. First, there is the issue of fitting them. There are always sore spots when you get them that have to be adjusted. Then,because their walks change when they grow or tighten, you have to always pay attention to the fit. Second, there is the problem of getting shoes to fit. They have to squeeze in under the hinge. And they have to be wide enough in front to fit the brace. This seriously limits the shoes you can get. Its hot out but they have to wear socks with them. I once had to pay $70 for a pair of sandals for her at Nordstrom's because they were the only sandals that fit. Sometimes she ends up with the most ugly pairs just to fit the brace. Third, and this is mainly for me, there is dealing with the guys who make the orthotic devices. Almost every one of them thinks he is a doctor. They have all the answers from disagreeing with the doctor's orders to informing me about the quality of my PT - usually they think bad to telling me it doesnt really hurt her, she is only trying to get out of wearing her brace. Which, actually, has never been the case. And CRABBY! The one I saw last was the worst. We all have to suffer with him because his son is a holy terror, in family therapy and he cant handle it. Aaaargh. Dont get me started! (Okay I self start!) Any braces, from now on, I'll get at Childrens. The university hospital guys are pretty easy going so it wont be as bad I think.

So that is where we are on it. I'm sure it wont be as bad once we get into the actual casting. I've made plans to come in for school lunch with her on those days she cant go outside - any time it might get wet - the three days a week I dont have school. I've talked to her best friend's mom to see if she could stay in for a couple of recesses with her - figured I could bring in some quick and easy crafts they could work on in the library after lunch. And we'll go from there.