One Step at a Time

It has been two months since his third major surgery, and our youngest wanted to give everyone a quick update and share a few pictures to let you know what he has been up to.

Feeling good at two months!

It has been a LONG two months (but who's counting, ha!).  True to form, he has been a trooper the entire time.

He was able to begin bearing weight on his legs fairly quickly because everything had been "rigidly fixated" with plates and screws, but it was easier said than done with both legs in short casts and knee immobilizers.

Standing and initial steps

After a few weeks, we felt comfortable enough to get him out of the house (with much effort, since he was basically non-weight bearing), and we headed up to Maryland to start his PT!

Ready for his first PT session

Much of the first six weeks was spent keeping his legs straight and hanging out in his wheelchair.

His usual daytime set-up

School here didn't get out until June 23rd, so there was still lots of school work to be done.  He studied on his own during the day and then met with homebound instructors after school five days a week.

Working hard to keep current with school from home

He also figured out creative ways to keep his drum sticks moving.  He can't wait until he can cut loose on the drum set like he used to before the surgery.  The first two songs he plans to play when he sits down on the throne are Queen's "The Show Must Go On" and Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On."

Practicing his paradiddles

We've also had some laughs with friends who wanted to drop in and say "hi."  

Having a fun visit with some faves from WT Woodson

At the six-week mark, we headed back up to Baltimore for his first post-op appointment with his amazing surgeon.  Dr. S. took lots of xrays and thought things were healing well enough that his casts could come off and he could switch over to walking air casts that are removable.

Sharing a laugh at the post-op

Talk about a life changer!  These removable casts have been made life so much easier!!

Removable air casts

In the last week or so, we got him a new walker that he's using as he learns to walk again.  He's doing great with it, but he is eager to start walking on his own again, without assistance.

Recovery and rehab from this one has been challenging, but this kid is determined, and he'll get there, one step at a time!