background:
I have written many times about Heath's "leg issues." They think that he probably had a small stroke while he was on ECMO (life support) pre-transplant and that it just happened to only affect the way his right leg tightens. If you have seen him this summer, you have probably noticed how he looks like he is "toe walking" with only his right foot. Or you might have seen him with his AFO (boot) and said, "what happened?" Because this is neurological, it does not go away with just PT and some muscle memory work, unfortunately. This is something that Heath will have to battle with for life- that is a battle we'll all take. The more active Heath has gotten over the years, the more this issue has caused some pain and frustration. I am always so proud and amazed by the way he seems to take it in stride, almost as if he doesn't even notice that he can't run as fast as his buddies. Every once in a while, my heart sinks and the tears well up when he says, "I just am not as fast as those guys..." but then he jumps right back in and comes up with a new game to play. He certainly is a resilient little guy!
So, we'll let you know how surgery goes tomorrow. We'd be grateful for your prayers and thoughts during that time and for the week that we're supposed to "lay low" post-surgery (everyone might need a prayer with Heath Tuttle stuck in the house on the couch for a week! whew!).
Blessings and peace.
carrie
