Big Steps

Kyle has had a great few weeks recovering.  His progress is very impressive, as are his recent doctor reports from Bethesda.  He has been walking around pretty regularly, using crutches and a cane and has been successfully weening himself off of much of his pain medication.  He looks great and more and more like his old self every day.  It's wonderful to see that full, happy face again.  

Kyle and his parents returned to Bethesda this week to meet with his orthopedic surgeons to evaluate the healing of the bones in his right leg.  Dr. Fleming and Dr. Waterman were very pleased with his progression and they have given an approximate time frame for Kyle's final healing phase with the Taylor Spatial Frame.  They told him his bone was strong enough now to bear the weight of his body and they "unlocked" the six struts in the spatial frame.  This allows Kyle's leg to carry the weight, and not so much the frame.  They require the frame to be unlocked for 30 days prior to surgically removing it.  If Kyle is comfortable and continues to heal, they will plan to remove the Taylor Spatial Frame on November 18th.  The countdown is on!  

Kyle and his Dad, Bill, waiting in the exam room in Bethesda.  Photo by Elsie Deem.  

Kyle waiting peacefully in the exam room.  Photo by Elsie Deem.  

Kyle talking with the orthopedic surgeon's assistant.  Photo by Elsie Deem. 

An updated x-ray of Kyle's leg, showing his bones very well healed.  The doctors are confident Kyle can continue to heal and recover with the frame unlocked and are hopeful he will have a successful removal of the Taylor Spatial Frame on November 18th.  

The inside wound on Kyle's right leg has really diminished.  The treatment he has been giving it is really working and he hardly needs to wear a Bandaid anymore.  (Taken a few days before returning to Bethesda). 

Kyle's leg, an overview.  Also taken a few days before returning to Bethesda.  

The outside of Kyle's leg showing great progress on the large outer graft before the frame was unlocked.

The lower outside graft on Kyle's right leg - it is really looking like skin now.  

Kyle's leg with the frame after it has been unlocked - notice the colored numbers on the struts are no longer there.  Photo by Elsie Deem.  

Kyle walking around by the lake at Northemoreland Park - when he feels good he is able to get around short distances with his cane.