God's Encouraging Hand

We have really seen God at work already since Maxim's cast came off on the 30th, just two days ago. Although we are still amazed at how truly shrunken his legs are right now due to such prolonged time in casts, he has a long way to go in catching up to some semblance of normal body weight (he is even swallowed up in 2T pants right now), and he has lost some of his great upper body strength because the cast did all the work for him the past 6 1/2 weeks, we have so much to be encouraged by.
He has not required more than the typical tylenol or motrin for the expected joint pain. He has not needed any at all since 3am today and it is now 1:30pm. Although he is fragile when lifted and we have to be really careful not to bump his hip or legs, he actually rolls over and will get up on all fours and move a little on his own.

When the cast came off, I think I mentioned they put a foam piece between his legs to keep them somewhat apart until his new brace is ready, expecting it would take until at least the 20th. Well, I called Mary Free Bed Orthotics, where we have been many times in working with Cyan's CP over the years and they were able to fit Maxim in for measuring yesterday afternoon. At first the woman at the front desk said it could still take quite some time to receive the actual brace due to frequent delays with our particular insurance companies. She said that neither company is good about giving approval over the phone. However, by the end of the day yesterday, we not only had the phone approval from both insurances, but a confirmation that if we didn't mind driving to Grand Rapids again, we could have the brace TODAY! It is ready now. So that's where Maxim and I are headed right after Brina's orthodontist appointment this afternoon. What a whirlwind, but soooo encouraging.

Dr. Reinhart did not intend to prescribe any physical therapy until the brace was ready, so we are now two weeks ahead of the game. I called her office to let her know the brace is ready and she immediately faxed a prescription for Maxim's therapy to begin ASAP at our local hospital's rehab department. Very exciting. These are people that have worked with Cyan a lot over the years too, so we already have a good trusting relationship with them.