They don't really like you photographing the xrays, so we haven't had a lot of oppurtunity to show you all her xrays.
This past casting trip, has really opened up my eyes to some things.
Kaitlyn was out of cast for nearly the past 4 months, she went through yet another horrible and scary surgery (yes, it was needed to move on in spinal treatment)
and because of that she was given a chance to be semi-normal this summer. After she healed, she got to go swimming and run and play cast free. She didn't have to sweat everyday and keep inside.
We are SO greatful for that, but at the same time.. it made us dread the cast more.
We love having her cast free, and have her feel "normal".. we are all happier with it off. Things seem semi-normal when it's off. I don't think such long breaks from the cast, is a good thing emotionally.
Because it's like going through the same fears and emotions as when you put the very first one on, all over again.
When I got the call that her 6th cast, would be on Oct. 4th. I was already going through the emotions of..
why do we have to do this again.. it's so great not having to worry about the stupid cast on.
Wasn't her sugeries enough to suffer? I hate the cast. I hate what it does to our Kaitlyn, what it takes away.
I think for the last several casts I have felt this way towards them. I was loosing sight of my thankfullness for them, and what they do for my child. Because, of my discouragment and dislike for them.
When I head that there wasn't much change in OUT of cast numbers (how high her curve is out of cast)
this time again, I was sooo discouraged and semi-upset. I was really hoping the surgery would have jump started her curve to a lower number. Not this time. I thought "why can't these stupid casts just do their job!?!"
But, on this last casting trip.. I got a wake up call regarding the casts.
When the Dr. finally came to talk with us, as we were getting ready to leave. He did something we hadn't expected him to do. He pulled up Kaitlyns xray history on the computer screen and had us look at it.
We have NEVER seen a xray image, with both IN cast and OUT of cast images side by side.
We were given the chance to really see just how much the cast does and how wonderfully it does work.
If you look closley to the right side of the image, you'll see her tiny spine in mangled *45 deg. curve.
It makes my heart ache to see that part. But that's just how it looks and how bad it is without a cast on.
Then, when you look at the left side of the image you'll see her little spine looking MUCH better and straighter with the cast ON :) I was instantly reminded just WHY we put ourselves and our Kaitlyn through these casts.
I may HATE that darn cast sometimes, but look what it's doing for my baby. It's hold her spine firmly into place, so that it doesn't continue to spiral out of control. It's keeping her from having a life quality changing, spinal rod/spinal fusion surgery! That is why we do this every 3 months! I think God gave me just what I needed to see this trip and has put things into perspective for me again. For that I am so greatful.
I am thankful to God He showed me, nearly three yrs ago, that there is another way for Kaitlyn.. instead of surgery. I am so glad I listend and that's she's being helped! :)
Although, her curve is still hight out of cast, it is encouraging to know that the Dr. can still get her spine down that low, while in her cast. So it's not ALL bad news.
These casts were designed to help infants and children up to two yrs, mostly. Because the human spine grows 50% of its growth in the first 2 yrs. That is when a child/baby has the most rapid growth time.
The cast uses growth spurts to train the spine to grow straight. Look under my links tab, and read the article.. it will explain even more. So while Kaitlyn is past two, and the odds are not as much in her favour.
I am leaning on the fact that she just turned 3, and has at least two more yrs of decent rapid growth for her casts. A childs growth decelerates between 5 and 10. We still some time! :) So you can always find something positve in all the negitive, if your looking! I promise :) give it try!
Kaitlyn saw this side by side image. You know what SHE said about it? :)
She pointed to her back and then the image "Mommy! thas' MY back!" She was as proud as a peacock!
She doesn't see the heart wrenching *45 deg curve. All she knows is, that's HER back!
She always has a way to make me feel better and SO proud of her!
Thank you Lord for giving me what I need, for opening my eyes to whats important!
Thank YOU for all your prayers and support, they ALWAYS mean so much!
This weekend we go to pick out some fun duct-tape (her choice!) to "decorate" her cast.
Something we do, to sort of personalize her cast :) looking forward to what she picks out ;)
Thank you again friends and family :)