We got an appointment at Mayo for our 2nd opinion on Devin's left hip! Bright and early on April 16th Devin is scheduled for an x-ray and an evaluation. At this point we have not necessarily decided to go to Mayo but just get an evaluation of what they think Devin needs or doesn't need. We are still waiting to get a call back from the Orthopedic Surgeon Devin was originally referred to.

We have also switched our primary Pediatrician to the Winona area so that getting referrals going forward is not an issue. The Pediatrician we had been going to at Gunderson retired and the doctor here in Winona seems to be just as knowledgeable if not more than the new Pediatrician we have been assigned at Gunderson.

Devin holds himself up while Dad helps him take steps.

Devin feeds his big brother!

The influence of our local WSU Boy's Basketball fans!

We know nothing more about the hip surgery as we are waiting for doctors to call us, but thought I would post Devin's latest progress. We did see a local Pediatrician today that may be able to speed up the 2nd opinion process through Mayo.


He is also walking with his walker. He holds his upper body as we move his feet.

19 months later... Before... and After

Amazing... 19 months later, and look at my teeth! Today Mom and I went over to Mankato and got my braces taken off - it went really fast! Was it worth it? Yes! I went through much pain and suffering and frustration - and a point when I just wanted them off - NOW!! I remember laying in my bed thinking - "I will never make it"... and here I am, towards the end of my journey. I really thought I would NEVER get them off - they had become a permanent part of me. The after picture is with my clear retainers in... and they are also an adjustment so far. I am not sure how much I like them. I am not supposed to eat or drink ANYTHING with them in except water - so a quick little drink here or there, or a little snack here or there, I will have to take them out if I do not want them stained. I need to wear my retainers 24-7 now, and I plan on wearing them for the rest of my life at night to keep this new smile. My first reaction when I looked in the mirror - "Those are my teeth?!!??"- they looked like someone else's. Another amazing coincidence - Leah also got hers off this week Monday also! Two of us in one week!
WHOO HOO!

Below is a picture of Devin ENJOYING a bath. We have had quite a struggle to get him to enjoy this process. This is the first time he has been in the water long enough to get wrinkly skin (Thanks to Allie the Entertainer!).
Devin had a Spina Bifida clinic yesterday. Some of his doctors have changed over and been replaced by others but all of the areas except neurosurgery were covered.

We have been very hopeful that all of the bracing and casting Devin had in his first year would help him for at least a few years, but yesterday we found out that Devin's left hip is shifting out of socket. Talk about taking the wind out of your sails! Most of the other children with spina bifida, that we know, have had this same hip surgery Dr. Wintersteen is recommending.

As I understand it, children's femur bones typically bend as they develop. The pressure of standing and/or walking cause the top of the femur bone to bend inwards just below the socket. This is not happening with Devin's left leg so they want to go in and cut and turn the bone (help mother nature). They would insert a temporary plate and it would require Devin to be in another Spica Cast for about 8 to 10 weeks.

We are looking for any information others might have on local (Rochester/Twin Cities) Pediatric Orthopedic doctors! Dr. Wintersteen had shoulder surgery and is out of commission for surgery until August. At this point she is recommending we go to Madison, WI for the surgery. We have decided to take this opportunity to look at other doctoring options for Devin.

Above is a picture of Devin jamming with Allie the Entertainer!

I thought you might also enjoy this clip of Cooper playing basketball!