Serial Caster

After hearing from the orthotist that her gait was a growing concern and we should see an orthopedist, I took Lyla in to see PM&R last week. Dr. Kiesling wasn't able to see us at our scheduled time, so we saw Dr. Deshpande instead. She said she doesn't think Lyla needs surgery, but that her tight muscles are definitely affecting her gait. She gave us a choice of Botox or casting, and I knew Sarah would support my decision not to do Botox again. After talking with Lyla about it, we chose the cast and dove right in to get it done that same day (we wanted to have it off before the karate tournament).

The cast will stretch her heel cord and gastrock muscles to hopefully keep her foot from twisting in so much. She's definitely growing -- she was 114 cm -- and the tight muscles make it harder for her to walk as her bones lengthen. Hopefully casting will stretch the muscles and allow her to get more range so she can walk more comfortably. I didn't realize it would be so intense, but seeing the process, I knew they were doing an awesome job and that Lyla would be as comfortable as possible during her two weeks. 

Stickers and a sock for her heel and bony parts. 

A few layers of cotton.

Base layer of white fiberglass. 

And ... Stretch!

A little more cotton in all the right spots. 

And a trim. 

And then it was time for the color -- pink!

And an orange stripe to match her karate belt. 

And a boot so she can walk.

Pretty happy, even if she wasn't excited at first. 

While it's a little unweildy, the cast hasn't slowed Lyla down much. She had to get the cast in her snow pants because we would have had to cut her leggings off, so we stopped at Target on the way back to school. We picked up a pair of pajamas and two pairs of boys' sweatpants -- there were no wide legged pants in girls' sizes/styles. No getting it wet or playing outside for two weeks, but she can still do karate -- a major selling factor of the cast. She rocked out two classes a night three nights this week and even got a post card from Mr. Lodermeier telling her how awesome she has been doing. Nothing's gonna keep this girl down!