Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Update on Katie's Shoulder

Sandra:
  Took Katie back to the doctor about her shoulder today. No surgery for now, she just needs to go back to doing her shoulder exercises on a regular basis to strengthen her shoulder muscles. She received a cortisone shot the last time and it does seem to be helping. That we are thankful for. Now we just wait and see and pray.

Bob:
No hard throwing or pitching until Fall; then maybe a very slow process in a return-to-throw program.

Monday, June 11, 2012

New Health Issues Put a Hold on Sports

I wasn't going to post on this topic; it pales somewhat from the previous health issue with a brain tumor, but it seems it is causing some obstacles for Katie. -
(Kaite is on the far left.)

Last year (Spring 2011) Katie did a great job, along with her team, winning the regional title in softball for the second year in a row. However, she did have to pitch most of the season; almost all of it. By the end of the season, her arm was tired and sore. In the Fall of 2011, volleyball started. It didn't take long for Katie to develop sharp pains in her shoulder, especially when she served or hit a hard over-the-head shot. She had to pull out of volleyball, with the hopes of being able to pitch in the Spring.

Long story short, after several doctor visits to specialists, Katie was diagnosed with MDI (Multiple Directional Instability) in her shoulder. She went through two stints of physical therapy and it helped very little. When the time came for preparing for softball, we began a "return-to-throw" program. After much tedious exercises and pitching drills, Katie was still in too much pain and it became clear that she would have to sit out this year's softball season. What a terrible blow this was to her!!

We are still in a place of waiting as we anticipate seeing the doctor again soon to determine if Katie needs shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, her school's softball team won the regional title again this year. She is very happy for the team but very sad that she had to miss out on being a part of it. We are praying that she will be able to have her high school softball career continue her junior and senior years. Please remember her in prayer.