2023

We start the year intensively. After a good end to 2022, we understand that there is no point in sitting still, we need to continue the good work. When exercising at the same place, monotony and a little boredom appear. We need motivation, some kind of change. We agree with a cool administrator of the "Implus" and start attending to this sports club together.

And how about some fun, isn't Atas just into the sports? Yes and no. We also like to lie down on the couch and watch some movies. But that's not our usual weekend plan, we try to spend our days actively. Tip: active entertainment helps us to have fun and at the same time secretly exercise.
We try go-karts, skating, and other activities whenever we get the chance. Such activities help with coordination, strengthen our legs, arms, and torso. They develop self-confidence to overcome our fears and limits.

By communicating and sharing experiences, we learn about the SPML surgery - selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening. Minimally invasive surgery for children with cerebral palsy. We start searching.

Yet again, unfortunately with sadness, we learn that such surgeries in Lithuania were performed, but currently (we are writing in the past tense, 2023) are performed only when super necessary. We never understood this explanation, our health system does not see the benefit, because in the long term these operations are not effective. The benefits of the operation may lose their effect as we grow older. Hmmm..., I leave it to everyone's reflection!

And what remains for us, is to search for information further. We are attaching a document with all the contacts regarding SMPL operations.

2023 marked by another operation, but we start from beginning

June 2023 - Malta Walk This Way

We have already said a lot of good things about Walk This Way. So we are flying to Malta again, to get stronger, talk and ask questions before the operation. Great moods accompanied the whole two weeks. Atas knows the specialists so this time is much easier to start. The desire to exercise and achieve the best results is huge, and the WTW center once again surprises with its simplicity and ingenuity. This time a "trainer", which is very effective, and at the same time so simple. What a miracle, it is simply two boxes and two boards, which, by combining and changing the position, can be used for countless exercises. Photos below.

We got a lot of advice and shared experiences about how the childrens are doing after this operation. After this trip, we are 100% ready and without any fear we are rushing to coordinate the SPML date. Big thanks to the specialists for the excellent training and advice. Time to go home, and when we return, the first thing to do is to make a "trainer"!

2023 August - SPML (Schön Klinik) - Germany

Time flies and another stage in Germany begins. We flew in a few days before, this was coordinated with the doctors and the clinic. Before the surgery, an examination is performed, the process is coordinated and all the remaining documents are arranged. Upon the arrival at the reception, they explained in details what to do. Everything took about a couple of hours and all that remains is to wait for the surgery day.

August 4, 2023 - SPML

Dr. Bernius and the whole team did a great job. A huge THANK YOU to the entire staff. After a week, we are home.

A day we were looking forward to, but also not.

Upon closer inspection, we learn that these surgeries are repeatable, they do not guarantee lifelong improvement, but should that be a reason not to do it? After all, for children with CP, every day is a fight against the disease, and even the slightest improvement is a big win.
We understand that the surgery is not the finish line for Atas and us, CP is like a marathon that has to be run for life, or at least until the body stops growing. This surgery is just another big step to catch up on growth spurts.
With intensive exercises after the surgery, we believe we will maintain the result for as long as possible. This would allow Atas to not limp when walking, to place his foot more correctly, and not to strain his arm, which he now carries involuntarily bent. It will also help the child to be more independent, he will be able to dress himself in kindergarten without help, and to help himself with daily activities.
We start e-mail correspondence and video call communication.

After several video chats, we decide to continue coordinating with Dr. Bernius from Germany, Schön Clinic. He is kind, answers all our questions, and asks a lot of questions himself to find out as much as possible about Ata. Dr. Bernius and Ata's physiotherapists see the potential to perform the operation as soon as possible, while he is still young, so that his brain can get used to the changes in his body. We do not doubt the professional opinion and move on!

Home after SPML

A couple of weeks later, we can still see that the left leg, where the splint is worn, is still swollen, and the muscle at the incision site is really hard. We correspond with Dr. Bernius, he suggests having an ultrasound examination to make sure that there is no accumulation of water. The ultrasound does not show anything wrong, it is just that the muscle is healing more difficult, so it needs intensive and abundant massage. It took a long time for everything to return to normal.
Light sports and exercises at home. It is not recommended to do intense sports until 7-8 weeks after the operation and to allow the muscles to fully heal. September passes calmly and smoothly.

October 2023 - Malta

We rested, got stronger and it was time for intense activity again. Rehabilitation after SPML surgery is an important and complex part of the process. Choosing the right rehabilitation center is essential to achieve maximum results. And where else, if not, to our beloved Walk This Way center in Malta.

Training, as always, is intense, but this is the fourth time and this time Atas showed what he can do best. He tried harder than all of us, no matter how difficult it was. Two weeks passed very quickly and with great spirits.

In addition to sports and exercise achievements, specialists and we have noticed positive results from the operation. Although the strength has weakened, which is normal, the range of motion has improved significantly. Your shoulders, elbows, and wrists are freer. Leg spasms are almost not felt. We are very satisfied with the result, it is nice to visit serious specialists. Thank you Lorela, Kristina, and Radovan.

End of 2023

We end the year by visiting the Child Development Clinic, in Vilnius, Pušų g. 2. Wonderful therapists, who have worked with Atas many times. At the end of the session, they confirmed that the results of the operation are obvious. Atas body and movements are freer.

2023 ended by enjoyable days off, interesting activities and a wonderful students and piano master Ieva Dūdaitė concert. P.S Atas is a piano student as well :)