Isn't this an amazing transformation? Just look at those straight feet! After 18 casts over five months and one surgery, Leland's feet are looking great. Today his last casts came off and he got AFO braces which he will wear 23 hours a day. We bought him his first pair of shoes, and boy is he proud of them! The smile on his face when he put those shoes on made everything worthwhile. He is so happy that he gets to be like Lily and put shoes on when we go somewhere.
Leland was diagnosed with Peripheral Arthrogryposis about a month ago, which is paralysis of the muscles below the knees. He will still be able to walk, but it will be very stiff. He can't move his ankles or toes, but he does have feeling in them. But after much prayer and fasting over the past month, there was a breakthrough today! With our doctor, plus five visiting doctors from England, plus two nurses, plus a nurse assistant, plus, Gary, me, Lily & Leland all crammed into a tiny exam room, the doctor tested his toes for paralysis and there was a very, very slight movement in his left toes! Everyone saw it, and we jumped up and down and cheered! Nothing yet in the right foot or either ankle, but it is an absolute MIRACLE that those toes moved. We will keep on praying and we know that many, many others are praying for him also. This little boy is going to run like the wind!
We will be starting physical therapy soon and return to Iowa City for a checkup in a month. Dr. Ponsetti is an amazing man and we feel very blessed to have him as Leland's doctor. For those of you who don't know, Dr. Ponsetti is 93 years old and still seeing patients. He is the best of the best for treating club feet, as you can see from the pictures above.
