In January I took Melody to Spina Bifida Clinic. She goes every 6 months, so we hadn't been since July of 2011. It was very encouraging, in fact it was just what I needed. You see, sometimes I get caught up in the day to day challenges of managing all of Melody's needs along with the needs of the rest of our family. It is difficult to see the big picture sometimes. It is hard to see how far we've come.
However, the nurses, doctors and all the staff at SB clinic hasn't seen Melody in 6 months. When you see their response to Melody, you realize how far we've come and how all the hard work has paid off. Everyone was amazed with her progress. She strutted her walking stuff up and down the hallway and the clinic was running really late that day, so she had a lot of time to do so.
The best part was watching the face of the Orthopedic Doctor as Melody walked into the room with her walker. This was the doctor that said he didn't think the RGO braces and walker would work. He looked at Melody and looked at her chart, then back and forth several times. It was priceless. Though he didn't say much, I could see the surprise in his eyes. He told me something like, "two-year-olds don't usually figure out all the things necessary to use a walker & braces." I responded, "well, she is very stubborn." His response, "I wonder where she gets it?" as he looked at me. I laughed. The doctor and I really do get along and I understand where is is coming from, even if we don't always agree.
Melody's check-ups with the Neurologist, Orthopedic, Pediatrician and Urologist were all positive. Her kidneys still look great (she has a kidney ultrasound every six months) and since she has been urinary tract infection free since her surgical proceedure in December, we are hopeful it has solved the urology issue for now.
We got the paperwork signed and hope to be getting handicapped parking permits soon. Now that Melody is getting out of the car and using her walker from the car to wherever we are going, I am finding that I need them.
The thing I love about SB clinic is seeing all the doctors in one afternoon. I think we walked away with 3 other prescriptions and paperwork things we needed. Those each take quite some time to get when you have to got to several different doctors.
All in all it was a productive day and a source of great encouragement to me. I know it really doesn't matter what other people think or my daughter, we love her no matter what she does or does not accomplish. However, it is a blessings to see her celebrated by the health professionals that are invested in her life. It does a mother's heart good.
