Reuben had his spinal cast changed again the week before Christmas - number 9! And some good news - this could be his last one! We were expecting to have 10 casts but they said that in March they will take this one off and leave it for 6 months monitoring his spine with x-rays so the light at the end of the cast shaped tunnel just got a big chunk nearer! We are thrilled and also maybe a little nervous about bringing him home without his concrete armour protecting his bones - it's a little daunting, probably for the first few weeks we will be constantly checking that everything is ok but I'm sure we will all get used to it - and we will be making the most of every bath time, going swimming and generally playing in sand and water as much as we can get him to do - everything he has been unable to do for the past 2 years it'll be lovely!
We were unsure whether Reuben would be well enough for his cast change, as he had tonsillitis the week before and the anaesthetist had to be consulted a few days before to make sure because they need to ventilate him under general anaesthetic but the antibiotics did the trick and a couple of days before he was given the all clear for theatre. Answer to prayer!
Reuben's portage worker came for the last time a couple of weeks ago, we will really miss her - Reuben loved seeing what she had brought for him to do, all the different exercises to help his fingers work properly and learn about colours, shapes etc. He's done really well over the past year with her helping him but portage stop visits when a child reaches 3 and Reuben is very nearly there - I can't believe it!
Christmas day was quite a difficult day for Reuben - to him it was Tuesday and anything out of routine or new really unsettles him and he became a bit distressed with everything, he loved opening the presents though! I think next year he might be able to understand better and enjoy the day :)
Early in January we see the gastoenterology paediatrician again about Reuben's bowel problems, he's had some more tests done recently and we'll see what they say next. He's currently on a wheat-free diet. We also see the neurosurgeon again soon who is monitoring his bimanual synkinesis and autistic spectrum stuff.
Let's see what 2013 brings, I'm excited already, there are some new changes and challenges in store and we're looking forward to having some time out of cast and having an energetic 3-year old!
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