No Trouble with the Curve

Kyra's body brace is off!  After four months of wearing her body brace, and being reclined at no more than a 30 degree angle, Kyra is now able to sit up and see the world without the curve of severe scoliosis holding her down.

June 21, 2013: Last "curvy" photo, with Curtis & Christa

The day her brace came off (Saturday, October 19), we were all a bit apprehensive.  The first transition to her wheelchair went fine... but was painful.  Kyra's hips and hamstrings, being immobile for four months, are very, very tight. Just lifting off her bed was difficult for her to bear.  We could see the pain in her eyes and the movement of her hands, but her face was determined, so we continued. And we were rewarded with Kyra's trademark smile as soon as she was secured in her seat.

October 19, 2013: No more trouble with the curve!

All day, we watched her heart rate, her eyes, and her breathing for signs of distress, and responded quickly when she had had enough sitting and needed to lie down, rest, and watch "Dark Shadows", surrounded by family, friends, flowers, and balloons.

Little by little, Kyra is able to sit upright for longer periods of time. Her legs are still very stiff, and need lots of stretching and physical therapy before she can sit comfortably.

But, she can sit in her wheelchair, her easy chair, and the car without falling over; she can move both of her arms freely; she does not have to depend on someone holding her up just to participate in the normal activities of life. In short, she no longer has trouble with the curve.

Peace.