Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.org (Shelley Finley) (06/01/90)
Index Number: 8553
Well, my 13 year old is "normal", if a teenager can be called normal<grin>.
My 8 year old has tuberous sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and sleep
apnea requiring oxygen at night. She is mainstreamed with the exception of
math classes, which she has been placed in an enrichment program, because of
strong talents in that area. She was receiving physical therapy through the
school system, but they say she can no longer benefit from it, because she
can't progress more than she has. All gross motor skills are a challange
for her. One of my biggest problems is keeping her in shoes. She has an
unusual gait, and drags her toes when she walks, so of course shreds shoes
in a matter of weeks. Although we were told she does not have enough
balance to do so, she has learned to ride a bike. Granted, not with the
expertise of other kids her age, but SHE DID IT! Yes, I'm proud of her.
She also has behavior problems, I think due to the stresses of her
limitations. Sometimes, she just loses it. My friends come over, and see
me rocking this 85 pound child in my lap, but it helps her, so what the
heck?
My 5 year old also has tuberous sclerosis, and epilepsy. She has lesions on
in her heart from the TS, but seizure control is excellent, and there is
hope of getting her off the anticonvulsants. She is also of above average
intelligence, and in a regular classroom.
Talk about condensing things, I tried to make this as short as I could.
Thanks for your message!
Shelley
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Internet: Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.orgBetty.Draughon@p10.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Betty Draughon) (06/04/90)
Index Number: 8592
In a message to Ann Parsons <20 May 90 12:43:00> Shelley Finley wrote:
SF> One of my biggest problems is keeping her in shoes. She
SF> has an unusual gait, and drags her toes when she walks, so of course
SF> shreds shoes in a matter of weeks.
Hi, Shelley!
I suppose that you've already tried this, but just in the outside
chance that a grandma remembers something the younger generation
ignores, have you tried putting the steel taps on the toes of her
shoes? Not the small ones that normally go on heels, but the big,
full toe ones like cloggers and tap dancers use on their dancing
shoes. That will help considerably with the *bottom* of the shoe.
If she truly drags the toe itself when she walks, there are
manufacturers who put steel toes in children's shoes. (Or there
were 25 years ago.) I, for one, understand the constant
replacement of shoes on a child. My youngest went through a pair
of steel-toed, steel-shanked, Thomas-heeled, lateral-sole-wedged
shoes every six weeks. We often had to buy three or four pair of
the same size!
Her problem, however, was bilateral tibial torsion, and her gait
straightened out by the time she was twelve. (Thanks, Lord!)
I hope this helped a little bit.
I bid you Peace.
Betty
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Internet: Betty.Draughon@p10.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.orgShelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.org (Shelley Finley) (06/04/90)
Index Number: 8605
In a message to Shelley Finley <05-22-90 14:41> Betty Draughon wrote:
BD> I suppose that you've already tried this, but
BD>just in the outside chance that a grandma remembers
BD>something the younger generation ignores, have you tried
BD>putting the steel taps on the toes of her shoes?
No, I have not tried that, and as far as ignoring a suggestion from "the
older generation", NEVER HAPPEN!!! I'm always open to suggestions.
BD>If she truly drags the toe itself when she
BD>walks, there are manufacturers who put steel toes in
BD>children's shoes. (Or there were 25 years ago.)
I have never seen such a thing here in rural NC, maybe someone out there has
a mail order source they would clue me in on? Sounds like a match made in
heaven! Stride Rite makes a sneaker that they guarantee to be outgrown
before it wears out. I have "cashed in" on that promise MANY a time!
Problem is, the shoe they make stops at a size 12 childs, and she's now in a
size 3. Probably just as well, I was getting a reputation at every shoe
store in town <grin>. Unfortunately, fashion is also an issue. At almost 9
years old, she wants shoes "like the other kids wear". We could work that
out though.
BD>My youngest went through a pair of steel-toed,
BD>steel-shanked, Thomas-heeled, lateral-sole-wedged shoes
BD>every six weeks. We often had to buy three or four pair
BD>of the same size!
Obviously you DO understand! :-)
BD> Her problem, however, was bilateral tibial torsion,
BD>and her gait straightened out by the time she was twelve.
Betsy has cerebral palsy, her gait is not likely to improve much more. But
we never know, do we?
BD> I hope this helped a little bit.
Yes, it sure did. Thank you so much for the advice Betty. Time to go call
the shoe stores!!!
Hugs,
Shelley
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Internet: Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.orgWarren.King@p3.f140.n271.z1.fidonet.org (Warren King) (06/06/90)
Index Number: 8671 In a message to Red Maple <02 Jun 90 16:19:00> Shelley Finley wrote: >RM>Concerning those steel toes, you should check if you have >RM>an orthopedic shoe maker in your city. >RM>some of those orthopedic shoe makers can do wonders >RM>sometimes. >RM>cheers, Red SF> Wish I lived in a bigger town! No such thing around here. I'm SF> going to check with her doctor though. Maybe she knows of one. SF> Thanks for the help! Shelly, I had a very similar problem as a child. I was constantly scuffing through shoes, even those with steel taps put on the toes and heels. BTW, those taps just made walking very trecherous for me! I was constantly slipping on a smooth surface. The solution came from the maker of my braces who devised springs into the ankle joint of the braces that allowed my foot to bend as I walked but retracted it to a level position as soon as the weight was taken off! That way I do not have to drag either the toe or the heel and my foot always hits the ground level. You might check and see if there is a good orthopedic braces maker around. This guy that I had was an innovator and there were few like him. He made my braces for 30 years and now that he is gone, I am faced with the challange of finding somebody who can fill his shoes. -Warren- "Just another modem pal!" -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!271!140.3!Warren.King Internet: Warren.King@p3.f140.n271.z1.fidonet.org