Scary Talk

Today I spoke with Julia's PT and SLT about the attorneys' visit and the "opposing" life care planner that is coming out. I explained how the whole process works to the best of my knowledge. Julia's PT is thrilled with a lot of the stuff she has been doing lately, but today she did mention some of the things that might come up in the future. She metioned that as Julia grows, it is a real possibility that she will need hip surgery, especially if we cannot correct her gate with her braces. She mentioned she might need Botox injections in her ankle if we can't get it positioned correctly with the brace. She mentioned a couple of different surgical techniques that might have to happen in the future. She mentioned a lot of things she is going to talk to the attorneys and life care planner about and I think just wanted to give me a forewarning so I don't "freak out" while they are talking. I wouldn't have publicly "freaked", as I have heard these things before - but not for a long time - so I guess it kinda hurts to know these surgeries, etc, are a real possibility in the future. I just don't want my baby to hurt.

I then spoke with the SLT - language therapist - who is working on the talker with her. She explained to me what she would be saying to the life care planner - and said that, honestly, we DON'T KNOW if Julia will ever speak on her own. She is going to talk to the attorneys about upgrades that will likely be necessary in the future for her talking machines, computers, etc. The good news is that her therapist REALLY thinks Julia is smart. So, other than the nonverbal issue and lack of attention span - it is possible that she could somehow become a "productive" member of society some day. That is good - especially with our friend (haha) Obama in office - especially considering her settlement is in the governments hands...frightening..... I hope she can work somewhere someday doing anything that makes her happy. A doctor, a lawyer - probably not (but maybe!), but even just a job at Walmart or Target stocking shelves....if she enjoys it and is able to earn a "living" for herself I think would really help her self esteem as she gets older. I hope so I hope so!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, enough rambling.....

Julia's favorite thing at therapy today was "What Up" and she throws her head back.

Susan