Friday 23rd July - We are trying to keep on, keeping on!!

Franny tolerated her morning stretches but is still very sore and tearful and on a very short fuse. We saw Marilyn for physio. Marilyn reminded me so much of my Mum Nanny Noreen, she has a no-nonsense approach and was just what Franny needed today, firm but fair. I miss you Mum! Franny did some basic stretching and immediately I could see that the second surgery has been very beneficial. The range in both legs but particularly the left is substantially better, she can flex her ankles past 90 degree's something we really struggled with before. It was a very positive session (we really needed this) and we were greatly encouraged. Franny was completely exhausted afterwards and her eye's were closing shut in the elevator.

At this point Franny's mobility will not appear significantly different to a casual observer but as her Mum I can really see and feel the physical changes in her body. The spinal surgery (SDR) has removed all of the stiffness and the orthopaedic surgery has given both legs substantially more range of movement. Franny will now need lots of time and space to gain strength, re-adjust and reach her full potential. Once home we will continue with a private physio programme and I think it will be Christmas before we get a good picture of Frans capabilities.

As I write I am mindful that Aunty Elaine and Aunty Nuala are at yet another fundraiser tonight in Corby. I miss them both very much and I'm hugely appreciative for their unstinting support, both practical and emotional. God bless and thank you. I couldn't have done this without you.

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July
We had a quiet weekend. It was 105 degrees today and there was another severe weather warning. Francesca is getting 1% stronger every day and there have been less tears this weekend. Franny is wearing immobilizers overnight to ensure the hamstrings and heel cords are fully stretched. The immobilizers are full length, from thigh to ankle but Franny is tolerating these very well (twelve hours last night). I will post a photo tomorrow, subject to Franny's approval.

Out of the blue, Franny asked me about the mechanics of walking today. Why does her Nanny walk so quickly and her Poppy so slowly and why are some of the children at the hospital are limping or dragging their feet. I tried to explain how I walk in basic terms, making a heel strike, then rolling heel to toe and transferring weight to other leg and then the same again. So complicated and we take it all or granted!
 
I'm angry that Franny is having to worry about all this stuff. It's seems so unfair, she has gone though so much already and she is only eight years old! Then I have a reality check and think about all the children who won't be able to access this surgery. Mum's of severely disabled children who don't have the energy or the optimism or the network to raise the collosal funds required. Their children are equally deserving as Franny. When we get home and Franny is settled in her physio programme I will be asking 'Team Francesca' to sign the our government petition to make the surgery available on the UK's NHS. We will be delivering the petition to Mr Cameron early December 2010.