Occupational Therapy

I took Lara for her OT re-evaluation today. We have had to switch OTs, as Lara's registered OT quit. But the woman who actually comes to the house every week and does Lara's therapy is actually the therapist's assistant (COTA), who we have not had to switch (just her supervisor). Anyway, so we had to drive to Springfield for both a re-evaluation and to switch OT companies.

It is felt by all that Lara would benefit from continued OT (who wouldn't?). It's mainly just because the tightness in her legs is really effecting her whole body. The [new] registered OT we talked to believes that Lara will definitely get over any upper body issues once she learns to walk and balance herself. Basically, it's like this: tight muscles in legs = over-extension of thighs = hard time sitting up straight and tall = balance problems = tight arms in order to control herself. So, we are going to work on the balance issues and also just do lots and lots of stretches to prevent any future problems arising from not really using her arms as fluidly as she should.

This is okay with me, and she said exactly what I was already thinking. The COTA will continue to come to our house every week to do "serious" stretching that will likely involve giving Lara "tylenol when it's over." Fun. We will do this for just a couple more months, or until Lara does better with her balance, then we will decrease her OT.

It feels overwhelming, though, because it is really important for me to do exercises and stretches with Lara several times throughout the day. This can get tiring and boring after awhile. This is why I don't even do stretches for myself! I wish I had a live-in PT who could do it all for me. Also, it can effect our schedules quit a bit. If I am taking long car drives, I always insist on making the drive when Lara can sleep. This is because I don't want her to lose out on any time to crawl around and play and work her muscles. This is also why I let Lara go all over the place when all the mothers hold tightly to their babies or let them go a maximum of 2 feet away. Lara needs to move as much as possible, so I let her go.

She did great during the assessment today and delighted everyone there with her words, singing, and silly faces. The ladies agreed that Lara is a social butterfly, to which I said, "Well, then I have no clue who she got that from!!"