Okay, so certainly not the best way to spend a weekend afternoon, but I’m happy we we’re able to knock-out another item on our (endless) list. A plaster cast was taken of Ryan’s lower legs, ankles, and feet to get his anatomy for specialized splinting. It will serve as a negative mold, making the splints custom-made for him alone.
This is necessary because we must avoid bony protrusions and areas susceptible to skin breakdown; most notably the achilles, ankles, and toe knuckles. We snapped a few pictures of the fitting. Instead of writing about how this was done it is more informative to give a picture timeline highlighting the most interesting parts. In total, it took about two hours to get his done.
Stockingettes mark areas of concern.
A plastic insert being placed to cut against to removed the mold. I need a haircut!
A highly moldable inner layer captures the smallest contours of Ryan’s feet.
A hard exterior plaster tape (blue) sets the mold. Here it is getting cut off.
The casts are complete. They are now taken to create the custom splints.
We’re told this will take a week or two. That is, from the starting point where insurance (hopefully) approves it.
If you haven’t yet, please take a look at two articles I’ve written recently. They both are important. People seem to enjoy reading them and are responding positively. Thank you!
- Austin Vantrease Parole: We Must Take Sides. This is the highest read post of all-time.
- Incidentally, It’s a Big Deal. This is a post I put out last Friday. It was so well received that I let it remain the most recent over the weekend. People are encouraging me to have it published (although I have no idea how to do this). Funny thing is, it was easy for me to write and just developed as I wrote. I love it when that happens. I love it even more when others appreciate it!
We have used custom made splints like the ones pictured above for quite a while on my daughter, Kerri. We use them primarily when she is upright on her Rifton Stander. We also use Dynasplints just because they seem to have accomplished more in a shorter period of time. I hope Ryan benefits from these and continues to progress. Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers, but I have little time to post as I have a similar situation here at home with Kerri.
Hi Ken, I imagine there are a lot of publications that would love to publish your articles. Off the top of my head, one suggestion would be to send it to the Post. Though they are very picky, I still think your article would be well received. Go to this link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinons/op-ed/submit/
Publishing your articles would have the added benefit of drawing more people to Ryan’s situation, and hopefully engage new members to Team Diviney. Both of the articles you referenced contain timeless themes that will always be relevant.
I am so happy you are having these special shoes made for Ryan! I wonder if there’s any info about how well they work in correcting foot drop.
By the way, I just looked at the last picture of Ryan again, and wow, he looks great!!
Hoping you guys have a good day, and I’m still here and still praying.
Love & hugs,
Paula
The thought it to apply constant pressure against the foot (while bracing the ankle) to slowly stretch the tendons and muscles, thus slowly bring the feet back to “normal”.
Ken,Know these splints will help Ryan,Are they for day? And you have another set for night? Hope Ryan’s eyes are healing and there’s not too much discomfort..
Kari did a good job with Ryan’s hair,why don’t you be her second customer:) Kidding,keep your hair any way you want
I read your post from the other day over and over and ALL your writings come straight from your heart and your heartache. Hoping for a good day for you all. Always here NGA
love gail
Yes, they will be for daytime use. We have another set for overnight that are a designed to keep the heels “floating”.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to ALL!
I would like to be there–just to give Ryan and you a hug. Because for some DEEP FEELINGS, words are banal and superfluous…