Lydia after a 3 mile hike

OK it's about time for some good news!  Lydia has really shined this year and pulled through the difficult recovery. So much so that we went on a 3-mile hike in Santa Barbara today!  I am so proud of her -- nothing seems to slow her down.  Tim.

Ankle surgery to add an "8-plate"

Although Lydia has been doing very, very well, it's time for another minor surgery.  After the second ankle surgery, her foot was much more stable however it has a slight downward point, so that it's as if she's walking around on her tiptoes all the time.  Luckily it's not creating any problem for her, she's walking well and not in any discomfort.  But Dr. Paley wants to add an "8-plate". It requires a small incision and they insert a small plate and two screws to tether the growth plate of the lower tibia and guide it to grow the foot out of its dropped down position. No bone cutting, no cast, she can resume weight bearing right away. It is an outpatient procedure. Over the next 1-2 years this small plate will encourage her foot to turn upwards as she grows.  As always, I hate having to do this, but this is the path we chose and we need to stick with it and be strong for her sake.