Keegan getting ready for the trip to KKI 2 weeks ago.We have just returned home from 2 weeks in Baltimore at the Kennedy Kreager Institute.
Keegan had PT/OT every morning from 8:15 - 11:15. This was a lot for him to get used to at first. But he was a trooper. He really clicked with our therapists, Judith, Nicole, and Kristen; and so did we. They worked Keegan out everyday teaching Drew and I as they went. We learned how to use our e-stim machine (Electrical stimulation) on Keegan's legs, back, abs, and butt. We will be using the e-stim machine daily on Keegan now that we are home. While we use the stim we try to get Keegan to also use the focus muscle group in an activity such as standing, kneeling, reaching, or on all fours in a crawl position. This is only as easy as your ability to keep him interested in toys. It's a good thing its almost Christmas. Keegan was a very good student and was eager to please his therapists, most of the time.
Keegan had PT/OT every morning from 8:15 - 11:15. This was a lot for him to get used to at first. But he was a trooper. He really clicked with our therapists, Judith, Nicole, and Kristen; and so did we. They worked Keegan out everyday teaching Drew and I as they went. We learned how to use our e-stim machine (Electrical stimulation) on Keegan's legs, back, abs, and butt. We will be using the e-stim machine daily on Keegan now that we are home. While we use the stim we try to get Keegan to also use the focus muscle group in an activity such as standing, kneeling, reaching, or on all fours in a crawl position. This is only as easy as your ability to keep him interested in toys. It's a good thing its almost Christmas. Keegan was a very good student and was eager to please his therapists, most of the time.
Also while at KKI Keegan exercised daily on a treadmill. With a lot of help. They helped Keegan simulate walking with the help of a harness called a Light-gait. We are hoping to get this set up at home in Jan. It takes 2 - 3 people to hold Keegan's hips and to move each leg on the treadmill. He loves to watch his wiggles and listen to music during his workout.
PLAYTIME AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
What's next for Keegan?
Lots and lots of therapy. We will be doing his therapy ourselves, as well as having professional PT several times a week. Busy busy busy. We are planning to take Keegan back to KKI in April for 2 weeks and will hopefully continue to follow up with KKI every 4 mos or so in 2009. The PT/OT we received at KKI is very specialized for spinal cord rehab and is very different from the traditional PT approach. KKI believes in exercising the affected limbs to promote health and regeneration of function. Keegan is at the prime age and timeframe for developement and healing of his illness. We still pray each day that his leg function will grow stronger and stronger.
THANKS
Thank you to all our new friends at KKI. Judith, Nicole and Kristen, you guys are awesome, we love you guys! Thanks for all your hard work with Keegan during the last 2 weeks. We can't wait to come back and see you again in April. Thanks Dr Janet & Dr Miller for all your help with Keegan! Thanks Gates family for making our stay and time at KKI so enjoyable. We loved getting to know all of you. Thanks for sharing your story and solutions with us. Simon is a wonderful little guy and we are praying for him too.
Happy Holidays,
The Stipe's
1 comment:
We are so glad you guys had such a positive trip and continue to pray for Keegan's full recovery! Can't wait to do some volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House to give back.
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