Byron is one year seizure free - YES!!!! We shall see how the coming year unfolds but we are so happy with this news. It is rare to control the seizures on the first try with the first med - we attribute it to Blessings and Grace and LOVE.
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| Byron pushing a cart with TWO Hands at Home Depot last week |
The next news is that Byron is having surgery on his foot on Tuesday, June 21. The head of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia, Dr. Joseph Hyman, will perform the surgery. It is a Tendon Transfer and Heel Cord Lengthening.
Basically, from what I understand, the tendon on the inside of Byron's left foot is pulling his foot inward and it is very strong. The outside foot tendon is weak. So they will move the interior tendon to the outside of the foot. This will pull his foot forward and straight. Then they will lengthen his heel tendon so that he can easily get his heal down when he walks.
This surgery is quite common after SDR surgery (link to SDR post) which Byron had a couple of years ago. SDR reduces the spasticity, but if the tendons are already short at the time of the SDR then they often don't lengthen on their own. Byron's Physiatrist determined that no amount of physical therapy or bracing would correct the problem as it is now - so surgery it is.
Dr. Hyman thinks this is the perfect age for the surgery and the prognosis is good. Byron will be under anesthesia for a couple of hours and end up in a cast. He will be in this walking cast for one month so no swimming (bummer!). And he should be up and around the next day. It's amazing how fast children can heal.
We don't know yet whether it will be in-patient or out-patient. Because Byron has seizures, it all depends how he comes out from the anesthesia, whether he will be released or not.
I'll post updates as we go.
I'm your cousin, Barbara, and I keep up a little with you and Byron through my sister, Cathy McLain. I wish him and you all the very best. Byron sound like such a dear child, and from everything I've heard, he is extremely lucky that God gave him you as his mom. Take good care.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this update Denise. Our love and blessings are with Byron and his adoring parents!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this update Denise! This is great news! And one year without seizures, this is absolutely amazing. Blessings to the doctors who will conduct the surgery. May they operate successfully and may Byron recover and heal smoothly and well.
ReplyDeleteWishing Byron all the way best always..may God and Guru be with him through out his life. May his life be filled with their Blessings..Lots of Love, Mukta Mahajani
ReplyDeleteMay "Grace" continue to accompany you all through this journey... Byron is such a trooper. Sending you a big hug and lots of love dear friend... <3 Cynthia
ReplyDeleteSending loads of love and best of wishes for the surgery to Byron, Bob and you!!
ReplyDeleteI will be keeping Byron and you and Bob in my prayers on Monday. I used to work at Presbyterian in the children's hospital. It is the best best places, you're in good hands. I know he'll come through with flying colors :-) lots of love
ReplyDeleteI will be keeping Byron and you and Bob in my prayers on Monday. I used to work at Presbyterian in the children's hospital. It is the best best places, you're in good hands. I know he'll come through with flying colors :-) lots of love
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