Never Stop

In the past, I have typically been an easy go with the flow kinda girl...never wanting to rock the boat. I wouldn't send food back at a restaurant, speak my thoughts to a friend. As I grow older, I find myself being more up front, but I never knew what fighting was until I had a child to fight for. I was lucky, a close family friend is an OT and walked me through every step, always encouraging me to "tell your coordinator you don't like your OT" or "leave that office" "tell them you want more" "make them fix it". And I have had to do all of those things, plus more. My most recent battle has been Addison's braces, or AFOs.
Addison's muscles are backwards...as with CP, her muscles are very tight and spastic. However, her tone is very low (especially when Botox changes the way her body functions, which will be an upcoming post). Because of this low tone, her ankles fall to the inside. So her muscles don't form incorrectly while adapting to this different form, as I was told it takes 1,000 good steps to make up for one bad step, she has been prescribed to wear AFOs. The first set came to the top of her little calf, encompassed her entire leg and foot, making it too hard for her to even walk (a feat we just conquered a mere two months ago). Instead of letting her struggle, I immediately requested change, irregardless of the $1,800 price tag. The AFOs have now been shortened to just covering her ankles, less material on her foot, a more natural feel. She is walking with more ease, and doesn't bat an eye when these hard plastic braces with straps upon straps come out. She's such a trooper, an inspiration.
Without growing my new found backbone, Addison would not have the amazing OT she has, she wouldn't be receiving as much therapy time as she is, and she wouldn't be able to walk independently without ruining her muscular structure. I no longer need that friend in my ear, pushing me to speak up. The more I fight, the better things are for my daughter.