We also got a call that Willa's new brace was ready. I'm very thankful for how close we are to UNC hospital. It only takes us about 20 minutes to get to UNC. I can't imagine the travel worries and costs for families who live hours away.
The new brace is much more streamlined in the front and is connected to a back support as well. We have lost the turtle shell look. For me, the front portion reminds me of a top hat.
Here are some pics of Daren and the two workers from prosthetics trying to wrestle Willa while working on the fit of the new brace. Some toot sweet would have come in handy.
The final fitting of the brace took a few tries. Willa needed to be consoled while the prosthetics folks were adjusting the device. Remember, this child does not like to have onsie off and be naked. She wants to be covered at all times. Swaddling is a must.
We are getting used to the new brace. Willa is not nearly as cuddly as she was with the turtle shell. The rigid back and side braces are a bit awkward. I don't think she notices the difference. I took some pics of the brace as we were getting ready for bath time. Again, the screaming child in the background of the pics doesn't like to be naked. 
Also snapped a reverse view of the omphalocele. The dark part is the umbilical cord.
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| Bottom up view |
Hi I'm Jacob. The orthotist who made this brace. A colleague just sent me to this link. This is so cool to see her doing so well so many years after what I'm sure was a challenging time in your life. Wishing all of you the best.
ReplyDeleteJacob,
ReplyDeleteWilla is absolutely thriving! She is a very spunky four year old. This blog was a great way to keep our friends and family updated with all that was happening with Willa. Adding a second child into the mix definitely made it tough to find the time to update this blog. I'm glad my husband somehow spotted your comment.
We still have the brace and occasionally share the design with others facing the same obstacles for their children. All of your time and effort and definitely part of Willa's story.