Orthopedic Surgeon, 10 Years of Changing Spaces, and Seinfeld

Monday, October 5th:

A couple of weeks ago one of Representative Briel's staff members reached out to me to see if I could come speak at a press conference on Wednesday. Unfortunately, Theo had an important doctors appointment that I couldn't cancel. So, instead I recoded a video that they could play at the press conference. I would have been more comfortable speaking in person, but I was happy to do whatever I could for Representative Briel. In my video I spoke about Changing Spaces, Theo, and Sami's Law. I talk a lot about Representative Briel's fight to get our bill passed and how it would not have happened without her.

I was able to write my speech and record it all within a few hours. It was 6 minutes long and I cried twice, but I didn't know how to edit it, so I sent the entire unedited video.

 

We'll see how it goes on Wednesday!

And this is why I don't support permanent Daylight Saving Time. Sorry!

After recording my video I went to pick up Theo and Nurse Patti at school, so we get home in time for PT and OT.

Tuesday, October 6th:

Theo and Nurse Patti went to school, Josh headed off to work, and I worked on my travel blog posts some more. I went through my memory books from my childhood and I found my journal pages from 1995. That was the year we went on vacation to the Pacific Northwest. It was funny to read back through my thoughts and see the old pictures!

See here for more!

Eventually I want to scan all of my childhood books and post them. But that will take a while!

That afternoon I attended a webinar about the Olmstead act and what the future looks like for disabled people. What's going on right now is not okay and I am worried about the cruelty of the people in charge.

After the webinar I took Theo to The Legacy Ranch for his lessons. He is continuing to do great with Sherman! I am so glad that he is back!

Wednesday, October 7th:

Before I left on vacation we noticed that a bump on Theo's hip surgery scar was getting bigger. I sent a picture to Theo's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Akeson, and he ordered an x-ray. We got that done and while I was on vacation Dr. Akeson looked at the x-ray and said that he wanted to see Theo in person. 

So, Theo and I headed down to Peoria to meet with Dr. Akeson. He took a look at Theo's legs and determined that it was time for the hardware in his legs to come out.  

We looked at Theo's past x-rays and you can see how great his bone growth as been since surgery back in April 2022.

Dr. Akeson told me that the surgery would be an outpatient procedure with a pretty quick recovery time. I asked him about pain management, when Theo could go back to therapy (Sherman, PT, OT, etc), and if we could have any other procedures done at the same time. We decided that I would reach out to audiology to see if they want to do an sedated ABR, the ENT's to see if they want replace Theo's left tube, and Genetics to see if they want some of Theo's skin. I also brought up Theo's tight left hamstring and right hip. Dr. Akeson said that he can do another tendon lengthening on those. We feel great about our plan and surgery is scheduled for early next year. 

While I was at Theo's doctors appointment I started getting text messages from Representative Briel's team. They said the video I sent was fantastic and they were very excited about it! I hope it helps!

[Josh is ready for baseball!]

Thursday, October 8th:

Theo and Nurse Patti went to school while Josh and I went to work.

Josh has a much cooler job than I do.

Friday, October 9th:

Theo went to school and had another great day!

Saturday, October 10th:

Happy 10th Anniversary to The Changing Spaces Campaign! Please go find your local state chapter and lend them your support. Everyone deserves dignity!

Sarah from the Wisconsin chapter wrote this great blog post and made a short video. Please check them out! Both are fantastic!

Saturday night Josh and I went to The Chicago Theatre to see the legendary Jerry Seinfeld! My favorite standup of all time is "I'm Telling You For The Last Time." I pretty much have it memorized 😊 

We were in the 4th row and it was soooo worth it! Seinfeld is very expressive, so if you are going to see him get as close as you can!

I was laughing so hard that my cheeks hurt!

We had such a great time! Thanks for the laughs, Jerry!