Up and Moving - Day Three - Post Dorsal Rhizotomy

The day started early. The neurosurgeon came in to check on Hunter and the fluid is still in his back. It concerns the doctor. But, it's not enough of a concern to do surgery yet. The plan was to get Hunter sitting up and moving more. Hunter has been on his back since Friday. The neurosurgeon still hopes that the fluid will re-absorb and is watching it closely. He wants Hunter to start physical and occupational therapy today. He also granted us access to hold him. It didn't take long for Hunter to be in our arms. When breakfast came, the smell of food motivated Hunter.. He sat up on his own and fed himself.

Hunter with Dad. There's nothing that motivated this kid like food!

It wasn’t long after breakfast that Hunter got his first visitor. She was Hunter's occupational therapist. This was an exciting time. She sat Hunter crisscross applesauce style. Hunter could never sit in this position because of the spasticity in his legs. He would cry out and fight it before. However, this time was different. The tone was gone. Hunter successfully sat crisscross applesauce comfortably. The occupational therapist was also impressed that Hunter could sit up without much support. This is rare for the first day of therapy after this surgery. It really shows how resilient Hunter is.

Physical therapy came in the afternoon. They took measurements on Hunter's range of motion. They will compare this to measurements later in therapy.  Hunter is very guarded of his incision. He is scared of the pain. Therefore, he didn't cooperate with the physical therapist. She says the pain gets better quickly and this is typical of first day therapy.

It is truly the small things you learn to appreciate when you have a special needs child. Seeing Hunter sit crisscross applesauce is the highlight of our day. It’s our first indication that the surgery was successful. This gives us hope, an overwhelming feeling of anticipation that our child might be able to do things that children without disabilities can do. It leaves us excited for Hunter’s future.

Hunter is still very sore. He still cries out when we try to move him or change his diaper. But, his incision is healing nicely.

CrissCross Applesauce. Look at how relaxed those legs are!