Despite the long drive, we made it to Tampa around 12:15, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and then headed to Shriners. Our appointment was at 1:15 with Dr. Mason, who is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
While we waited for our turn to see the doctor, Abby was entertained by a group of graduate students from the University of South Florida. They were spending the afternoon volunteering and had brought stickers, coloring books, and lots of other fun activities. Also in the waiting room were televisions and video game systems and lots of other fun toys to keep everyone entertained.
When they called our name, we went to our room where I reviewed Abby's medical history with the nurse practitioner. This took all of two minutes since her known medical history began six weeks ago! The nurse left to put an order in for X-rays, but before she went, she brought Abby this really cool art set.
The nurse returned to get us and we all went to the x-ray department. They took four x-rays: two of her spine and two of her hips. By the time we finished and got back to the room, the doctor was coming in to talk with us. He examined Abby and reviewed the x-rays. He explained that her right hip was indeed out of the socket....well, actually in sometimes and out other times. However, he did not recommend surgery since he felt her weak hip muscles would not hold the hip in the socket, even after surgery. Since we would not be trying to correct the hip, he said that we need to watch her closely for scoliosis. Currently, her x-ray showed no curvature, but it could develop. She also has a leg length difference, which will need to be monitored as well. He recommended an AFO (ankle foot orthotic) for her right foot and physical therapy to attempt to loosen some of the tendons in her foot. He then requested a second set of X-rays, this time to be sure that her tibia and fibula looked good. Once he was sure she was ok in those areas, he sent us to be fitted for the AFO.
They took lots of measurements...
...and then made a cast of her foot.
Abby got to select the pattern for the AFO and also the color of the straps. I am not sure she really understood what she was choosing, but she was determined to have purple straps. She ended up choosing a purple and pink star pattern and dark purple straps.
Once this was finished, we were finally done for the day. When the AFO is ready, we will need to head back to Tampa to have the final fitting done. Our next appointment will be November 21st.
