Today was a pretty busy day for Parker with not one but three different appointments.

The first was Parker’s first appointment with her physical therapist. Actually Parker had met this person a year ago to work with her torticollis issues when she was three months old. The torticollis (a constant twisting of her torso) was an early harbinger that would eventually lead to her diagnosis. Today, however, the discussion was about her issues with crawling, walking, and standing. Parker was her charming self at the appointment, although she really hated having her feet turned and manhandled, but the physical therapist agreed with the neurologist’s assessment that Parker’s feet were turned inward because of constant tightening in her outside leg muscles. We also talked about her dystonia and how opposed she was to using botox as a treatment option for the muscles.

Instead, Parker will be getting a supermalleolar orthosis brace (or SMO). SMO braces are like high-top sneakers, not going up the calf or shin but covering the ankle. The brace will provide stability and encourage her leg muscles to relax. The stability will also give her the confidence to stand safely and begin experimenting with walking movement. The therapist was very excited about how great the range of Parker’s movement was in her hips, knees, and feet.

She would have the braces on both feet, but the physical therapist said that it would be a “game changer,” on the same scale as Parker getting her glasses.

Speaking of getting glasses, the second appointment was to pick up her new glasses! The old pair turned out to be too easy to have Parker pop the lenses out, which would sometimes then end up in her mouth. The new ones are pink with hearts and have a rigid but durable frame. The new glasses seem to fit better, and are very, very stylish. Parker approves.

The final visit was to Parker’s pediatrician, Dr. Novasel, who is herself about to have a baby in a month. Parker’s fifteen month check-up went well, and Parker was happy not to have shots! We did discuss some sleep regression that Parker is exhibiting, and she will be having a blood test for iron levels to see if that is causing the problem. Dr. Novasel did note that Parker is behind on benchmarks for her small motor skills and speaking, so she made a referral for an occupational therapist and a speech therapist on top of the care she gets through Tiny K. We are entering a very active phase of medical care for Parker where she could be having two or three therapy appointments each week, but these early years are the best and most effective period in which to do this.

After a very busy day Parker was ready for some familiar play time in her room and some yummy sausage and sweet potato soup, and went to bed with hardly any trouble at all.