Strange...

So, many of you thought I'd have an update earlier in the day from the Mayo Clinic, and I sat in the waiting room and typed it after we saw the ortho Dr. But for some reason, it didn't post...dang it! So the short version (since we've been up since 5:15 am...)the Dr didn't feel he could do anything to help Amy's pain but he seems to think the neuropathy will get a little bit better in time. It'll never go away...she'll always live with chronic pain. But he's hopeful it MIGHT get better. No promises. He gave her some new leg braces which look like soccer shin guards, and they help her walk a little bit easier. Instead of walking like she has cerebral palsy, she can walk more upright and doesn't have to hang onto my arm anymore unless it's been a really long day and she's been on her feet a lot. As for the mystery health issues, he really didn't say much about any of them since they weren't ortho related. So much for getting a team of Dr's for a comprehensive consultation! He did suggest new, thicker orthotics, so the ones we just bought are no longer ideal. But he wants us to wait and see how she does with the leg braces first. One very good thing that came out of this consultation is that he filled out paperwork so she can get a permanent handicapped tag for the car. He's amazed that she hasn't already had one. If the Arizona paperwork will transfer to Colorado, we're good. If not, we'll have to take it to our PCM so she can write for one in-state.
At one point, as he watched Amy walk down the hallway with the new braces, he turned to me and said, "you have a really amazing daughter!" Yeah, I already knew that. As a matter of fact, I have 3 amazing daughters! But I didn't want to brag too much, so I just smiled.
All in all, we spent about 2 hours with ortho today. At one point as the Dr was testing her feet to see where/what kind of pain she had, he apologized for making her hurt. She said, "do all you need to do, but that comes with a "kick warning!" And when he told her he wanted her to try leg braces she said, "I like making a fashion statement." Yeah, she really is amazing.
Thanks for the many prayers and good wishes. It's been a long few days, but we're glad we made the trip. The news is kind of bittersweet, but we're still confident it's all part of God's perfect plan. More to this update as I recall things when I'm not so fuzzy...remember the 5:15 wake-up call?!!!