Jan 2012

Sorry for the delay in updates we have been concentrating on getting Oliver stronger since our return.

It's been over a year now since Oliver had SDR in America and wow can he do so much more than he could before, some of these things maybe little to alot of people but they are huge to us and of course Oliver.

On coming home a yr ago the changes although little were already apparent he could carry his own plate without all the food sliding off, he could tread water in a swimming people and kick his legs, carry his own school bag, walk to school without holding my hand as time has gone on he has started to join in all sports for example football, running games with his friend and one of his biggest achievements is moving from white belt through to green tag (5 belts) in Taekwondo. Oliver's balance and stamina aswell as comfort are the biggest changes since his operation 14 months ago. In July 2010 he also attempted to climb Ben Nevis (the tallest mountain in England) for another little boy managing to get over half way.

Oliver also made it onto Dr Parks wall in his clinic for his achievements since SDR how good is that.

Oliver has spent 14 months doing intensive therapy i wont lie some days have been tough on a young boy that just wants to play but the results in what he can now do have made it all so worth it.

On 28th January we fly back to America for his post op check and also a smaller operation to release his heel cords, this is by no means a step back or saying that SDR didnt work alot of children have this done around the same time it was felt Oliver needed time in the event he could escape this unfortunately due to the 6-7 yrs spent on his toes along with growth spurts it is felt this is needed and will only improve his gait further. Knowing Oliver as we do he will bounce back from this just as he did from his first op.

I sometimes think what Oliver's life would have been like had we not had the opportunity, i have some insight by now a wheelchair for distance, standing on the sidelines whilst his friends play, exhaustion, discomfort and pain Oliver was going down this slippery slope pre-op and im so thankful everyday his life has been made so much easier now and for his future.

I once again will keep a small diary when we are back in America so it may help others on this journey.

Thank you once again Xxxx