May have to stop!

Well, it is getting much harder! Just this last week Matthew's ankles and knees have tightened considerably. So much so that we think Dr. Paley will be telling us he either HAS to stop lengthening or undergo a muscle release. Matthew had initially decided that he would stop before needing that additional surgery, but it seems things are now out of our hands. His knees and ankles have tightened so much this last week that he cannot straighten his legs by himself. Only after much work can a therapist push them straight. On Friday we were concerned about this and continuing lengthening over the weekend, so we had Dr. Paley paged. He responded by advising that as long as Matthew doesn't have any nerve trouble symptoms that he can continue lengthening over the weekend and then come to see him on Monday instead of next Thursday. So, Matthew has decided that if he can have the circular fixator put on at the same time as the muscle release and perhaps even a nerve release, he will do it. Then, as soon as there is a hint of tightening after that, he will stop completely. From this surgery he has gained approx. 4". This takes him to about 5'1" ! - which is actually 2" more than he initially hoped to get from all this at the beginning. He has had his back and arm straightened, his shins and hip flexion corrected and gained all this length which has made him much more able to function in this world built for people at least 5' tall. So, we shall see what happens at the meeting tomorrow and let you all know what will happen. Other than that he is doing well. The pool therapy is working out nicely. We go every day M-F after land therapy, and he gets to walk in the water, and do other exercises to help build up his muscles. He hasn't had any infections yet, although we are wondering if one may be starting - sometimes it is hard to tell if it is an infection or whether it is just that the pins sights are being pulled by the lengthening. Either way, if this new sensitivity doesn't subside by tomorrow, we will start on antibiotics, just to be sure. So, take care, and we'll fill you in tomorrow as to the outcome of our FIRST meeting with Dr. Paley this trip. Talk to you then!