Posted by Mary on May 23, 2003 at 09:28:34:
Thank you for explaining the splint. Kathleen does not have much trouble with tight muscles.Becasue she was born with Down Syndrome Her tone was low before the strokes so as she gets more use of the affected muscles the tone is still pretty low.Her left arm tightens up a lot when she is useing a lot of muscles in her right arm.She can now bend her arm at the elbow.It was really awesome when she first was able to lift her left arm for a hug I loved the one armed hugs too but this was a huge step for her.She doesn't have much control of her fingers yet.If you have any sugestions for motivateing more use of the left arm and hand we sure could use it.That is awesome that your daughter took steps on her own!!!!! And on Mother's Day how perfect! I remember Kahtleen's first steps alone I think it was more amazing than her very first steps as a baby.Please keep posting about your daughters progress I love reading how well she is doing.She must be a very strong person.I know Kathleen is the strongest person I have ever known,she is my hero.We too are very hopeful that Kahtleen will be walking and useing her left arm again in time.We just have to be patient.She sure has the determination to do anything she wants.Thank you for shareing your story.
Mary