Freya in the Whitsunday's last year

Freya in the Whitsunday's last year

Monday, October 18, 2010

up and away

In the 6 weeks since the surgery that left her with a complete left-sided hemiparesis (paralysis), Freya has re-learnt the skill of walking independently.  Assisted by her ankle and foot orthosis (AFO) Freya's gait is now actually better than it was immediately before her surgery.  Proof of this came when we viewed video footage of Freya's walking made by the physiotherapists the day before her operation.  Anthony and I hadn't  realised just how badly Freya's limp had become in the last six months until we saw this video.

Everyday Freya wants to walk further and further, and today she achieved over a kilometre. The physios are actually telling Freya not to walk as much as she wants to, because physical fatigue is still a big issue and it important that she maintain a quality gait, which does tend to deteriorate as she becomes tired.  Being able to walk again has had a huge positive impact on Freya's mood and confidence, and has inspired a  determination in physio and OT that I had doubted she would have.  We are very proud of her.

Here is a photo of her taken today, in full stride.

11 comments:

  1. Hi Freya, I'm really excited about seeing you next Tuesday. I hope you get well soon! Love from Juliette

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  2. Well done Freya,
    We are so proud of you.
    Love Monique, Geoff, Bridget, Sam and Anna

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  3. Freya, you really are just amazing. It is wonderful to see you doing so very well, at such a very early stage.

    I am one very proud auntie!

    Love from Patricia xxxx

    PS. I'll pop by at lunchtime tomorrow...and bring some chocolate to help keep your energy up. :-)

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  4. Great job walking, Freya! Keep up the good effort. Luv from Juliette

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  5. I am thrilled to hear about your continued amazing progress. All that walking Freya!! You are an impressive young lady!! The cricket team won the zone final today and all the members are pretty proud of themselves. Not much has changed around here - except that you're not here!! Look forward to reading the next exciting chapter in your adventures!!

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  6. Hi Freya!
    It's so awesome that you can walk already,
    you've achieved so much!!!
    I cannot wait to see you and Juliette next Tuesday!
    LOVE EDIE
    <3 <3 <3

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  7. There is no stopping you now. Well done, Freya. You will be walking to school before you know.
    Melissa

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  8. It was great to see you this week, and to see all the walking you are doing, and doing so well. I will see you next week.
    Love Grandma. xxxx

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  9. That's fantastic news Freya - am very impressed with how much walking you're doing. Keep up the wonderful work in physio and prove your Mum wrong!!

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  10. Way to go Freya! And hi to Mum and Dad too.
    :) Naomi (I used to work with your Mum at DHS).

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  11. Hi Freya, I'm so happy that I got to see you yesterday and I'm already looking forward to seeing you in a few more Tuesdays. I had a great time and I hope you did too! Love from Jules. Ps. The lamingtons were delicious!

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