Podiatrist visit

Benjamin saw Dr. Goad, the podiatrist, on Friday for the first time! This appointment was so enlightening for me because it's nice to know now what we possibly will have to deal with in the future. He took x-rays of his feet and both of Benjamin's feet have all 5 toe bones, which was a surprise to the doctor. Most cases he sees only have four of the five. As you can see from the picture, Benny was deep in thought about this. I was told that Benjamin will most likely have to have surgery. It won't be cosmetic, as he doesn't do surgery for strictly cosmetic purposes. His will be more for functionality of his feet. Right now, when Benjamin puts pressure on his feet, his big toe sort of turns out and curls, almost resembling a claw. He does this to provide the balance he needs because he doesn't have that extra support from the middle toes. It's not a big problem now, but eventually, if not corrected, it could be. Not only that, but with time, his toes will spread apart even further. The surgery will be to close the cleft a bit so that he can wear normal shoes. Hopefully doing this will help his big toe to straighten out as well.

At this point Dr. Goad will just continue to follow him and give him some time to grow. We are going to see him again in 3 months. Only time will tell what exactly we will have to do. It could take more than one surgery to help him, or it could take some time in casts, or even something else. We don't know for sure yet. We just know that he will need something, and surgery is most likely in the cards.

It's nice to know. While I feel so bad for Benny to have to endure yet another surgery, I know that it will be to help him. Though this kind of surgery is not as serious as heart surgery, no surgery is without risk. I know he is a strong little boy, and that any obstacles he comes to will only make him stronger, but as a mother I can't help but ache for him...sometimes it just feels as though it's going to be one thing after another for the rest of his life. I know God will handle it all; He has thus far and will continue to do so. So I just have to pray for the strength and courage (and energy!) to be the mom that he needs, and that the girls need too! I was promised that I will never have more than I can handle...and that reassures me that I can handle this!