Spinal Surgery Recovery and Back to Normal Routines

Elliot continues to do really well post tethered cord release surgery. His incision is healing well, he has minimal swelling, and his pain is well controlled. Monday he got his stitches out, and next time I know to ask for a topical numbing cream- honestly not sure why it wasn't offered. Most of the stitches came out easily, however, the top and bottom stitch were more stubborn and Elliot was in a lot of discomfort.

We are getting back into the swing of our normal schedule, and man transitions are hard. It was nice to have a little bit slower pace with all of us being home for the majority of the past two weeks. Life felt easier, but we are back to the grind.

Elliot started back to daycare and his daycare was bought out during his time out from surgery. So far our experience has been good, they even said they had no problem accommodating his feeding issues, which was a great stress relief as previous management had mentioned he'd need to either start solids or find somewhere else to go.

Feeding therapy is still moving slow, but he is making progress. He's lateralizing his tongue left and right which he wouldn't do at all when he started therapy. He's even trying to take bites sometimes. He is still really into licking cookies, crackers, chips, and of course bacon. LOL. At this point I'll give him whatever he wants if we make progress.

We also started speech therapy a couple weeks ago and it has been going well. His speech therapist actually did provide us with some information for an intensive feeding therapy program in Evansville, Indiana at the Payton Manning Feeding Clinic. So for anyone reading, that might need that service, there's about a 6 month wait list but if approved your kiddo will go for multiple therapies/appointments (feeding, occupational, physical, psych) while in the intensive program. Jack and I decided we don't feel that we are needing that level of therapy at this time, but will keep it in mind if progress stalls/slows down with feeding.

Also, checked on the KY medicaid waiver waitlist and we are still moving up steadily, hopefully we will be having our level of care assessment with a nurse for HCB waiver at the end of December/beginning of January.

Hat day on his 2nd day back to daycare! Could he be any cuter?!?

***vehicle parked at daycare when picture was taken, not in motion***