Reid started physical therapy for his neck on Wednesday. He has torticollis from being in the birth canal for so long with restricted movement. Torticollis literally means twisted neck. He also, to a lesser concern, has a compressed foot which will get therapy as well. To put into perspective how restricted his neck is, he can turn his head to the left about 110 degrees. He can only turn 40 degrees to the right. We have stretches to do at home and spend time each day on our tummies and flexing feet.
The physical therapist believes it may take close to a year of treatment...2 to 3 times per week. Say what?? Mind you Michael travels during the week...it's a little daunting to think that we have make the therapy that many times per week but of course we're ready to do anything for him. There is a chance his foot my have to be splinted and even crazier that his misshapen head may have to be banded or helmeted as it was too stuck in the birth canal for over 6 weeks.
I am intentionally staying away from the subject of how I feel about this as a mom...it breaks my heart. That post is for another, less hormonal, day. For today, I am so grateful that we have a huge amount of PT sessions allowed by insurance and that we only have a $10 co-pay per session. I truly feel God's protection because these sessions could be anywhere from $10 to $15 k if we didn't have so many sessions allowed. Thank you Lord and thank you, United.
Reid managed to pee on the therapist, need to stop and nurse and have a mjor blowout to conclude our first session! Ahhh, the joys of being new born...
Please pray for a successful rehabilitation of Reid's neck and foot. We also pray that he be spared of having to be banded or wearing a helmet as we can only imagine that neither option is comfortable for our little guy.
How cool is it that there are pediatric physical therapists out there to help our baby???
He is absolutely beautiful! And, he is one lucky little guy to have you two as parents. Glad you're keeping these updates - you'll need them to remember the thoughts and feelings of the beginning. . . all a distant memory in a few years. :)
ReplyDeleteDearest Olivia!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all...let me say Congratulations!! Reid is absolutely beautiful and so lucky to have two super caring parents in his life!! I can totally relate to having a precious baby that needs a little extra care and attention...I don't know if you remember but my little Knox was born with a mild left clubfoot. His foot was casted at 8 days old for a total of 3 weeks...now he wears special shoes and a brace at night until he is a year old. His foot is completely perfect and he is totally unaffected by the treatment (sleeps 12 hours every night). This experience has come with many emotions!! I can tell you that they cope with everything better than we do...and it only makes you love them more!! Time will fly by and before you know it Reid will be running around like a wild man!! I will be thinking of you and Michael as you go through this emotional yet rewarding process!! As you know...they are well worth every minute and tear!! Take Care!!
Lacy Littke Kendrick