Dalton
Donation protected
Hi Facebook Fam! We have a Dalton update. For over a year now Jared and I have been praying about a surgery for Dalton. The surgery is called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) As you know Dalton was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. This affects his muscle coordination and mobility. We are beyond grateful that Dalton is showing promise in walking, God has really shown up and given him such a will and determination to be independent.
However, the spastic part of his diagnosis, the tightness does deteriorate his muscles that are tight. In his case it’s his legs. We are already seeing the deterioration, bc of the tightness he isn’t able to use certain muscles. When you don’t use muscles you lose them. This causes long term problems and joint damage that is irreversible. A recent X-ray showed that Daltons femur is migrating away from the hip joint. He also has mild osteoporosis from not properly weight bearing. This is all caused by spasticity.
This SDR surgery will permanently remove Daltons spasticity (tightness) and improve his balance which is definitely a struggle for him right now. It will allow him to build muscle without spasticity and will improve his overall quality of life and remove any pain he has from muscle tightness 24/7. I have been following a private page filled with testimonies of parents of children and patients who have had this surgery. The results are life changing. Their only regret is not doing it sooner. Time is really crucial, it’s best to do it when they’re young. Some have done it starting at age 2.
Thankfully, Daltons surgery will be covered by our insurance. Huge hurdle out of the way, thank you Jesus!! Not all of his therapy will be covered, our insurance will only cover so many a year. We will have to appeal anything they deny but I expect a favorable outcome.
When he is finished in Columbus we will come home and then 3 months post op we will be hopefully going to Texas where he will complete a two week rehab designed specifically for kids who have had this surgery. Our insurance will not cover this and we will need to get flights, a hotel and a rental car. They do like to see kids 3 times a year. I am really hoping we will be able to do this since they focus so much on strength training and having a plan designed specifically for him.
This surgery will make Dalton weak, we will essentially have to start all over. He will be using muscles he has never used before. I know that sounds crazy but in the long run it will benefit him. All in all he will be doing physical therapy every single day for a year and will continue therapy as long as its needed. With Jared being the only one working we are tight with finances already. We will need help to pay for all the traveling expenses, food, gas, etc.
I can’t thank you all enough for being on this journey with us. Your comments on Daltons posts have touched my heart time and time again. I know so many of you prayed for him when he was born and still continue to root for him! Please keep us in your prayers and Dalton, he will be doing the hard part during his physical therapy.
However, the spastic part of his diagnosis, the tightness does deteriorate his muscles that are tight. In his case it’s his legs. We are already seeing the deterioration, bc of the tightness he isn’t able to use certain muscles. When you don’t use muscles you lose them. This causes long term problems and joint damage that is irreversible. A recent X-ray showed that Daltons femur is migrating away from the hip joint. He also has mild osteoporosis from not properly weight bearing. This is all caused by spasticity.
This SDR surgery will permanently remove Daltons spasticity (tightness) and improve his balance which is definitely a struggle for him right now. It will allow him to build muscle without spasticity and will improve his overall quality of life and remove any pain he has from muscle tightness 24/7. I have been following a private page filled with testimonies of parents of children and patients who have had this surgery. The results are life changing. Their only regret is not doing it sooner. Time is really crucial, it’s best to do it when they’re young. Some have done it starting at age 2.
Thankfully, Daltons surgery will be covered by our insurance. Huge hurdle out of the way, thank you Jesus!! Not all of his therapy will be covered, our insurance will only cover so many a year. We will have to appeal anything they deny but I expect a favorable outcome.
When he is finished in Columbus we will come home and then 3 months post op we will be hopefully going to Texas where he will complete a two week rehab designed specifically for kids who have had this surgery. Our insurance will not cover this and we will need to get flights, a hotel and a rental car. They do like to see kids 3 times a year. I am really hoping we will be able to do this since they focus so much on strength training and having a plan designed specifically for him.
This surgery will make Dalton weak, we will essentially have to start all over. He will be using muscles he has never used before. I know that sounds crazy but in the long run it will benefit him. All in all he will be doing physical therapy every single day for a year and will continue therapy as long as its needed. With Jared being the only one working we are tight with finances already. We will need help to pay for all the traveling expenses, food, gas, etc.
I can’t thank you all enough for being on this journey with us. Your comments on Daltons posts have touched my heart time and time again. I know so many of you prayed for him when he was born and still continue to root for him! Please keep us in your prayers and Dalton, he will be doing the hard part during his physical therapy.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brooke Fohl
Organizer
Brookville, IN
Angela Miller
Beneficiary
