Kristina,

Here's my two cents worth...

I had my achilles tendons released when I was 5 years old and at that time 
it helped me walk more hell-toe instead of always on my toes.  Now, as an 
adult (34), I walk more flat footed (like a stomp on the whole foot instead 
of leading with heel first).  At age 28 (yes, that isn't a typo...) I 
elected to have my hamstrings released.  The surgery allowed me to 
straighten my legs (actually grew an inch at the age of 28!) and my center 
of gravity and balance were more centered.  However, the drawbacks of that 
surgery are marked.  I have almost no active bend in my legs now when in a 
standing position so sitting down in a low chair is impossible without 
hanging on to something with my arms, stepping up into the tub is tough, as 
are steps and curbs of more than 5 inches or so.  As someone else mentioned, 
sitting on my legs with my knees bent is uncomfortable/painful if I sit 
there more than a few seconds.  I have virtually no hamstring strength 
despite frequent exercise.  But I can touch my toes...lol.  My dr. and I 
hoped the hamstring surgery would change the dynamics on my hip flexors to 
avoid frequent tendonitis, but that has not been the case.  However, it is 
much easier to walk with less fatigue since the surgery.  But as one other 
post mentioned, you really do have to learn how to walk all over again and 
break all of the bad habits previously learned.  I find I need to go to PT 
every now and then just to remind myself of how I should walk now that I had 
the surgery as I easily fall back into the old patterns.  I'd imagine 
someone younger would adapt easier.

Linda
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.c-palsy
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 5:42 PM
Subject: tendon ?'s.. bad outcomes?


>
> I am wondering if anyone had any bad outcomes?  As in too loose after 
> ther
> surgery or a child that after surgery could not do am much as before 
> surgery?
> We are still thinking about it.
>
> Kristina
> Mom to Faith 10 with CP.
> Former 25 week preemie.
>
>
> -----------------------
>
> To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here:
>
> http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy 

-----------------------

To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here:

http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy