Treating the kids - These things take time

Only 48 hours ago, Corbin had been on the operating table. Considering that, I was a little surprised to see two hospital physiotherapists helping him out of bed. They were happily telling him that they were all going for a walk down the corridor! By the look on his face, Corbin was none too impressed by the suggestion. Still, one lady held him upright and the other knelt before him and moved his feet. With that, he took his first steps back towards mobility.

That morning (a Friday) the surgeon had visited Corbin and declared the operation a total success. They had technically achieved everything that they had intended. The physiotherapy department and ward nurses had to be happy that Corbin was not in danger. As long as they were, he could go home. Incredible.

Over the weekend, Corbin had regular visits from the physios and he rediscovered his appetite. He was transferred to the care of our local hospital and allowed to go home less than a week after his operation.

At this time, his left foot and leg had begun to move quite a lot. However, the rest of his left side – including his face – was not responding to any of the exercises he had been given. We were reassured that everything would improve, given time.

It sounds very shallow (given that Corbin’s whole life was at risk), but at this point to rediscover his smile seemed such an important goal. He has always had a very positive outward attitude. Also, having a wonky smile for the rest of life would be just one more excuse for people to stare at him.

The road to recovery

Corbin has never spoken. We felt immense frustration when trying to communicate to him what was needed in terms of his recovery. Meanwhile, Corbin’s left side has always been very weak. He had become used to using his right hand to perform almost every task, without the need to use his left hand at all. Sometimes, he might need to hold something momentarily while he picked up something else with his right hand. In this case, he would be likely to hold it in his teeth rather than bother with his left hand. As a result, teaching him to use his left hand – that was now even less useful than it had been before – was a massive job.

Over the next few weeks, however, Corbin made huge strides. Occasionally, his smile would extend across his whole face. (This was usually when he finally got what he wanted on the television). He started to get himself across the floor using his unique form of crawling. When forced, he even began to raise his left arm.

Indeed, his recovery was so swift that he returned to school in his wheelchair less than a month after the operation. He needed a helmet at all times and he got tired very quickly. Still, I still find it amazing that four weeks after such an ordeal, Corbin was able to resume such an energetic role in life. My wife and I were in awe of the wonderful work carried out by the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.