Gearing up for surgery

The past few months have been pretty darn good. Ryan continuously exceeds our expectations with his determination to accomplish goals. Since the last post in November, Ryan has been getting better and better at mobility. Just this past weekend, I found him at the top of our backyard play structure and I had to interrogate poor Lily to try get to the bottom of how he possibly could have climbed to the top. Well, I got it on tape yesterday, so here is the link:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osf0rs3COFM&feature=youtu.be

Just when things seems to be reaching an enjoyable point, we were emailed our surgery date. In this surgery, three things will happen. First, they will take out the plates and screws from the last surgery. Second, they will do a tendon release on the back of both of Ryan's knees to gain range (he is unable to straighten his legs completely due to contractures of the knee joint). Finally, they will insert a device called an eight-plate into the growth plates of both of his femurs, above the knee joint. This will slowly adjust for the rest of the range needed to get his legs straight. Here is a picture and a link to read more about it of you are interested.
http://eight-plate.com/patient_information.php



He will be in full leg casts for 4-6 weeks post-op and by July, we should be able to start our summer with this all behind us! Looking forward to that point!