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.