Joy's Braces

We are trying a new system to improve the flexion in Joy's knees. It has now been over a year since her hip surgeries, almost a year since her knee surgery, and 10 months since she came out of her spica cast. We have been doing physical therapy since then to work on her strength, balance, and flexibility. She has come a long way, though the progress is slow. The goal was to get her knees to bend to at least 90 degrees. Currently, her left knee bends to 80 degrees, and her right knee (the one she had surgery on) bends to 70 degrees. So, we are now trying special braces called Dynasplints.

These braces provide tension which can be increased to allow for a slow, passive stretch. It is not painful to wear them, and we are all eager to see how they will work. Joy is excited about her "bracelets" and seems to understand the benefit. When she was being fitted, she was allowed to decorate with stickers! Joy is always such a little trooper, and we are so thankful for her joyful spirit!

We have started her wearing them for short intervals during the day, and we will be working up to having Joy wear them all night for 10-12 hours while she sleeps. Depending on the progress, she may wear them for up to 6 months. Something about this is strangely familiar . . . sitting still, immobile, with lots of arts and crafts. At least now she has a little companion, not to mention that the braces can be removed. You can't do that with a spica!

So, here's to Dynasplints! It is a blessing to have medical options that can help, but whatever the results we know that God is in control. We pray for healing for Joy's little legs, but we also know and trust that God often does His best work through our trials. We pray for strength not only in her legs but more importantly in her heart . . . when we are weak, He is strong!

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11