Erin recently got new braces for her legs, called KAFOs. This stands for Knee, Ankle, Foot Orthosis, and it is exactly that. These will replace the white soft braces (knee immobilizers) she has been wearing for the past year. We had to make sure she was ready for these before having them made, and as she has shown us, she was definitely ready. I want to share with all of you that when Erin was a baby, everyone outside of Kennedy Krieger said that Erin would NEVER be able to use braces such as these. In fact, they didn't think she would ever use an RGO, which she has long surpassed. We have learned many things on this journey of ours. One of them is that doctors and therapists should NEVER use the word "never". Another thing is that someone apparently forgot to inform Erin that she couldn't do these things, because she is definitely doing them! Our little girl has far more determination than most people we know.
Here are a few photos showing the process of getting measured, molded and fitted for new braces. It's a tedious process, but it was well worth it. Erin can't wait to go to KKI next so she can show them off to everyone. She picked out the patriotic design, and she actually loves to wear them! Yay!
Putting on the long socks to protect her legs when they cast them. You can tell she's thrilled!
One leg done, but that was after having to completely redo it.
Whew, both legs casted. Just had to wait for them to dry.
Taking off the casts and keeping them intact is not always an easy task. Time elapsed: 2 hours
After 8-10 weeks (I honestly lost track), the KAFO's were ready for a fitting. That appointment also took about 2 hours, because they had to make sure they were perfect.
And here she is, walking with her new braces. Can you see the pride and excitement?! And yes, this is the best picture I got, with my big shadow in it. (Sigh....)
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