4.17.2012

Another Foot

Yesterday Zoe got something really special:  Another Foot! 



We have been consulting doctors, thinking and praying about what to do about her short leg and little foot for months, and we have come to several conclusions.  1.  Limb Lengthening is not a route we want to pursue.  2.  Most doctors assume that an amputation of her foot is the only other option, since it maximizes her ability to wear a prosthetic leg and foot.  3.  There is a third option - another foot underneath her little foot, bringing her leg lengths to even. 

This third option may or may not be a long term solution, but for now it allows Zoe to walk without damaging her back and to gain trust and emotional stability in her new family without the trauma of an amputation.

So without further ado, we introduce you to what the kids have decided to call Commodore Mimi:


As you can see, it is a foot below a foot.  The prosthetist took a cast of her little foot and made an AFO to fit her exactly, and then added a foot below it. 


It's a little heavy, and needs some getting used to, but Zoe was very willing to get up and walk on it right away.  Today she walked all over the place.  As long as she is distracted, she doesn't mind it at all. The odd look on her face is her "cheezy face" - it's what she does when she know she is having her picture taken.


We go in to Shriner's to have it checked out on Friday.  She doesn't seem to want to bend her leg much, so I'm going to have them check the fit.  But generally, it is a huge success.

8 comments:

  1. What a great idea!!!! I am so happy for Zoe and you!

    Peace,

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  2. Cool! I'm so glad it's working. I've never heard of the idea before. Does Commodore Mimi have any kind of flexibility, or is the whole thing stationery?

    By the way, love the purple marker on her knee. :)

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  3. WOW!!! What a tremendous idea!!! So very happy for you all!!! She is a real trooper! ((HUGS)) to you all from the Grimes Family!

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  4. great idea. I am so glad you made that choice.

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  5. Isn't modern technology wonderful?

    Hopefully in the future, there will be ways to make her foot and let exactly like her other one.

    Keep up the great work!

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  6. Hi Perry, I have been following your story since you went to collect your beautiful little girl. You and all of your family are an inspiration. Zoe will grow up to be a confident girl with all of the love and positiveness that surrounds her.
    She is lucky to have you but you are indeed lucky to have her too. Watching the spirit and determination she shows is a lesson and an inspiration to us all.
    I look forward to following your journey.
    Love to you all
    Dylis

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  7. Perry, I'm super happy for you guys! :.)

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  8. Just getting caught up on some reading, and I AM SO EXCITED about her Commodore Mimi! Beautiful. So creative. And I love her haircut. Love to you all!

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