A family day together. Getting ready for orthopedic surgery

Left Foot posterior release, med column lengthening and lateral column shortening

The decision about Cassie having orthopedic surgery has been a difficult one. The decision to proceed has involved many people. Cassie and I went to the orthopedic clinic at Mcmaster Children's Hospital and we saw Dr. Sarah Burrows, her resident doctor and the physiotherapist who attends the clinic. We had not seen Dr. Burrows in eight months. Quite quickly into the assessment Dr. Burrows asked me if I was going to let her fix Cassie's foot. We have seen this doctor every year and I half expected her to say see you next year! I listened carefully to all she had to say, asked lots of questions and then went home to talk to Chris. Chris also phoned the doctor to hear about the surgery, what it involved and was active in the decision making process. Dr. Burrows is extremely understanding and kind. In the last year Cassie has had a number of assessments and treatments including the movement lab, trials of botox and video taping she has also done physiotherapy and we have worked hard at home stretching her foot. Dr. Burrow has determined that it is an appropriate time to try to correct the foot position and that the surgery is needed. As parents we had a difficult time deciding because Cassie has had a terrible time with the Botox procedures. Again, our family has pulled together, remained strong and steadfast. Cassie has accepted that she is having surgery and is starting to think about how she will get around in her wheelchiar. Dr. Burrows seems to feel Cassie has matured and nine is a good age and she has been quite reassuring that Cassie can cope. I appreciate all the postive reassurance she has given us. Sharon Carr saw Cassie at the Prothetics and Orthotics department. She adjusted Cassie's foot brace. She used a model of a foot to explain the surgery (very helpful) and she measured and took pictures of Cassie's foot presurgery. Cassie will be non-weight bearing for four weeks on her left foot after her operation. She will stay in Mcmaster Childrens hospital for two nights.
The surgeon will put four pins into her foot and she will have a cast. After the pins are pulled out a new foot brace is made. I am not too sure if Cassie will be able to learn crutches because of her weak hand, but we will for sure have a wheelchair and she is excited about being pushed around (princess Cassie). I am starting to make plans and have phoned her school therapists and have asked the principal for extra EA help. We are anxiously awaiting a surgery date and it looks like it will be March or April. Cassie will have the cast off by summer!!
We are moving forward, accepting what is to come and supporting our beautiful girl through the anxiety she faces with another medical procedure.
God Bless you darling girl. We love you very much and we cant wait to see your foot and hopefully it helps your walking and that you are pleased.