August 19, 2008 Check up!

Yesterday we traveled to Baltimore for a check up. Nick has been working very hard this summer at his Physical Therapy sessions and it shows. Nick has regained full range of motion in his leg. Dr. Herzenberg is very pleased. The bone growth is going well too. The doctors looked at the x-ray and determined that Nick is ahead of schedule. He is now down to only one crutch. One crutch for one month and then NO Crutches!!! Back to see Dr. H at the end of October. As Dr. H left the room he said that he was please with Nick progress. And while in the doorway, he stopped looked back and said, "I am proud of you Nick". That made the long trip to Baltimore worth it.

Nick was given the go ahead to do some non-contact activities. Yes, Golf is on that list. He is planning to hit the links today. With Dad as the golf cart driver, Nick will finally get the chance to swing a golf club! Gotta start getting ready for the 2009-2010 golf session.

Doing Well!

Hello, The lengthening has stopped and now the bone is healing. With this new step, Nick is completely off the pain meds. Well almost. Nick still takes a tylenol, over the counter variety, just before Physical Therapy. But, his spirts are high. Last weekend we went out and bought new shoes. Two pairs. And they did not have to go to the shoemaker for a week. Nick was able to put them on and wear them immediately. what a milestone!!!!! It truely is the little things in life that really make us smile the most. Have a great day.

The monitor has finally stopped.

Although the Doctor told us the lengthening was considered done, Nick ended up having 23 more pole changes over the last five days. We thought it would only be 10 or so. Surprised when they keep coming. Especially at the 8 on Saturday. Yes, that causes us to call Baltimore to ask what was going on. Unfortunately for us the doctor on call was not much help. His only real advice was, "If you have seepage from the incisions please come in. Otherwise you are okay. it should be done, don't worry!" Easier said than done. Oh well, that seemed to be the last push. Nick has not had any new changes. Now, I think we can officially say that the lengthening phase is complete. Yeah! Still need to work on the movement and flexibility. PT three times a week. Joe David, do your magic!

Great News!

Nick is almost done! Well according to the doctor, he is done. The surgery and lengthening is considered a success. At Tuesdays appointment Nick had gained 4 1/2 cms in length. If he would stop now that would be okay. His legs and even and the hips are straight. If he continues to get a few more mms. that would be fine too. So, we are monitoring to see if we can get to 5cm but not worried anymore about moving too much and causing pole changes. Nick is more at ease and happy with the results. It has been so amazing. All the length in one month. Nick is continuing with PT and exercises to regain his leg strength and flexibility. Next appointment is in 5 weeks to check on the bone density and hopefully pitch the crutches.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. We could hear God whispering in our ears during this lengthening process. Reassuring us that we were okay, delivering the many prayers, and letting us know that he was right there with us.

Shuffle off to Baltimore

Nick and his Dad are leaving for Baltimore tomorrow. Nick has an appointment on Tuesday. He will get an xray to see just how far he has come. Almost there. Nick you are my Hero!!!!!!!

Steadily moving along.

Good Morning. Nick is progressing well. As of this morning his leg monitor reads 30mm. Add that to the 4 gotten during surgery and he has 34mm of new leg length. Only 16 more to go.

Physical Therapy is going well. Joe David of David Physical Therapy is very good and Nick likes how the therapy is going. Seems to get the results without the intense pain. Mr. David took the time to take to the Baltimore folks and that made us feel very comfortable with continuing therapy in Pittsburgh.

Yesterday we went to Ross's 2008 Summer Choir Tour concert. Nick wishes that he could have gone but realizes that taking it easy and therapy are more important to him right now. This is the first year that Ross is going and he will have to manage without his older brother. At the end of the concert they always sing the song, "Friends". They ask past choir members to come up and sing the finale. Nick managed to get infront on his crutches. A good friend, Marissa, came down to stand next to Nick so that he would not be standing alone. Very special night. Nice for Nick to see his buddies and send them all off on Tour. Nick came home and ended up having five pole changes for the day. A little more pain than normal so today we will take it easy.

Being Home is feeling nicer every day.

Things were better yesterday. The ride home from Baltimore was tough. Nick got a little too much length too fast. That results in pain. So, July 5th was spent on the couch playing Tiger Woods Golf 2008. We stayed put and managed to get through the day with just the three pole changes that are recommended. We even got Nick upstairs into his own bed. He had a great night.

As of today we are 27 millemeters! Only 23 more to go. In the back of our mind we are reminding ourselves that the last two centimeters are supposed to be the worst pain wise. Also the pole changes might not come as easily and we will have to manipulate his leg to make them occur. So, keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers. He is not done yet. Thanks for the support!!!!!!!