Theratogs Approved!

Elijah's new leg-straightening straps (called "Theratogs") will soon arrive. The physical therapist was concerned that Elijah's knee might be getting damaged because the external strap merely cranks his club foot out. The new device is a garment with velcro straps worn under his clothes It puts the foot in position more gently. Some of you know that we had trouble getting them approved for payment because the device is relatively new. We think someone may have figured out that the old, clunky knee-ankle-foot orthotic would have been much more expensive (aside from being ineffective).

Elijah is practicing his walking, but his club foot still slows him down. Thank you for praying for him. 

Urology appointment, orthopedic needs

Elijah met with his urologist, Dr. Wolpert, on November 9 after having a renal ultrasound. We are thankful that his kidneys looked great and that his bladder is apparently responding to the Ditropan (relaxed and able to retain fluid). He has shown no outward side-effects from this medicine, for which we are very thankful.

One prayer request is that he would be able to fully empty his bladder. The ultrasound did show a little rippling at the bottom of the bladder which may or may not become a problem. Many children with the myelomenigocele form of spina bifia have to use intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder and prevent infection. God knows best and will give us what turns attention most completely to his glory, but we are asking him to keep Elijah from having to start a cath program.

The new physical therapist is working hard to get funding for Eljiah's "Thera-togs," a thin garment worn next to the skin to turn his feet into position so he can walk. His feet naturally look like this: / / when they are supposed to look like this: \ / . Elijah can now stand unaided for 20-30 seconds when his feet are straightened!

Eye Appointment

Elijah had his eye appointment today in Lake Elmo, MN. We wondered if the doctor would recommend a fall surgery to correct some intermittent wandering. Instead, we were pleased to hear that his eyes are responding to the four-hour daily patching. Thankfully Dr. Schloff recommended that we try to reduce his patching to two hours daily for the next 10-12 weeks. We are pleased.

Although the little guy gives no resistance to having the patch, it must be a relief when we take it off. A prayer request is that Elijah will be prepared for his January appointment. He is scheduled for pupil dilation this time. This involves spraying a substance in his eyes. Last time this happened he was the most impolite with medical professionals we have ever seen him.

Blessings,

Steve for the family

Welcome to Elijah's new blog!

Thank you for visiting. We will keep you posted here with information to help you pray as well as see how our little boy is changing. We are thankful for the good people at DCS Netlink in Rice Lake for immediately volunteering to create a website for Elijah when he was born and hosting our updates for the past 2 1/2 years.

Since we last chatted Elijah has had some highlights...

• Bladder infection (treated again with antibiotics, cleared up, some chance of a false positive on the test)


• Lyme disease (tick found, "bullseye" appeared clearly after only a week, treated with antibiotics, resolved immediately)


• New straps to enable him to walk straight with his walker


• An eye patch four hours per day to see if his lazy eye is treatable without surgery

Some things to pray about:

• Elijah's October 17th eye appointment will determine whether or not he has to have another strabismus surgery.


• Orthopedic surgery (tendon transfer and further tibial de-rotation) is a possibility in the spring, but we need wisdom.


• Elijah's physical therapist who comes once per week is moving to Iowa (of all places), so we are praying for another conscientious helper and advisor.


• Urology tests and appointments on November 9th

We hope you keep coming back. Clicking on "comments" will connect you via e-mail. If you do not want your comments published, feel free to contact us via my e-mail: pastor@ricelakebaptist.org.

Blessings,

Steve for the family