Taking Steps

Since Grant's Baclofen Pump was put in, it has been recommended to increase his physical therapy. We started going to the Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic in Orem a couple weeks ago. There are a few things we are hoping to achieve by increasing his PT.

* Strengthen his trunk/neck.
* Increase his range of motion in arms and legs.

* Prevent/postpone any further surgeries. (Tendon Releases)

* Loosen his muscles/tendons so he is not so tight and looking like a human chair.

On our second visit, Grant's PT, Ben, suggested we try a walker. Grant has never been in one of these before. I was a little nervous...I guess to be more accurate, I didn't want to get my hopes up just to have a huge let down or put too large of an expectation on him just to have him fail. While I think it would be great for him to have more physical abilities, I have come to terms that it is not likely or necessary for him to walk. And I'm OK with that! His mission in life is not for him to be able to move mountains....he's already done that in the pre-existence. That is why he lucky enough to not have to go through the trials that the rest of us do here on this earth. With that said, I went along with the big idea Ben had of trying out the walker. And to my surprise, HE DID IT!!! Of course it wasn't perfect, but he did it. At first it was kind of a bunny hop motion, but pretty soon he started doing reciprocating movements with his feet. Across the therapy room back and forth he went. We gave him fruit snacks to reward him for his hard work, but after the first fruit snack he just kept going as to say, "I don't need a fruit snack as a reward, being independent is reward enough!" What a stud! All the time with a big smile and lots of giggles! He was just plain giddy with excitement of being such a big boy. Ben was impressed, I was more than impressed! Who would have known...well Grant probably did. Oh the things I wish he could tell me!
Since he did so well, we have decided to try to get one for him here at home. We have been fighting with insurance for 3 years now to get him a stander. We just keep getting denial after denial. We are hoping that the insurance will approve this one a little easier than the stander. Who knows what he'll be able to do when he gets stronger and has more practice. I think the independence will make him happier and more content as well. Until then, we will continue to go to his PT appointments and work with him here at home and school. And hopefully we can meet and exceed the goals we have.