One of the main ways we have seen improvements in with the strength in her legs. She is not only able to maneuver with her walker better, but she is also able to stand up straighter and for longer periods of time. She has been receiving physical therapy for several months now and receives it at school as well. We also do different activities and stretches with her at home that are recommended by her physical therapist.
In addition to PT, another treatment she has received is Botox. Botox is actually quite common for treating spastic cerebral palsy. In fact it was the original purpose of Botox (not for our wrinkle lines as we mainly seeing it being used). What it does is weakens the muscles that are tight, which then allows you to stretch and strengthen those muscles. Her doctor told us that normally it is needed every three months because it begins to wear off after a while.
Kiana received her first set of Botox injections last October. Some time later after church one Sunday we had Kiana prayed over. The main prayer request we had was that she wouldn't need to get this every 3 months, and that her legs would stay lose and get strengthened. As she was getting prayer over I actually felt something relax in her leg! Well, 3 months went by and Kiana was still doing great. Her physical therapist said we could wait on more Botox. 4 months went by, 5 month went by. Finally, at 6 months her physical therapist said she was beginning to get a bit tight again and could use a little more Botox. So we made our appointment and after examining her the doctor ended up only giving her HALF as much as she needed last time! So not only did she last twice as long as expected, but she also only required half as many injections as last time!
We are so thrilled to see God moving in her little tiny body! We are continuing to pray that she will get stronger each day and will continue to require less and less Botox. We would love for all of you to join us in this request! Thank you so much to everyone who has been so invested in our little girl and wanting to see her continue to thrive!
