Tough and Spiny

What do gators and Santi have in common?

They're both tough, strong, and.....spiny!!

Santi had an appointment with Dr. Woo in Gator territory at Shands. We haven't updated the blog in a while so here we will fill you in on how our Santi has been doing....

Santi greeted by Dr. Woo

Santi recovered remarkably well from his surgery on August 18th. He was even able to maintain his weight and not lose too much which is unusual following surgery of any kind. Santi is still the skinniest alligator I've ever seen, but we're counting our blessings, OK?

Think big thoughts, Santi!

He has grown and inch and a half but didn't gain weight since his last appointment! Oh well. He loves food...especially McDonald's burgers and fries and he can put that stuff away. Where do the calories go? If I ate that way, I'd weigh 600 pounds by now.....

1 1/2 inches taller!

The key to Santi's progress at this point is daily therapy exercises and his Dad is very faithful to spend time doing that with Santi. It's easy for muscles to stiffen after such a radical spinal surgery so we are trying to keep him limber and stretched. Sometimes the exercises really hurt but Santi has a high tolerance level for anything he knows is necessary. He also spends time on his bed on his tummy. He looks incredibly straight after lying in this position for even just 30 minutes. At other times, a verbal reminder to "straighten up" helps him to adjust his posture.

Pain issues are very few and far between. What a miracle this is. Santi doesn't need pain medication at all unless he's had a long, physical day or has been sitting in one position for a long period of time. He sleeps well and plays well.

Dad, Santi and Jon-Michael

Thank you for continuing to pray for Santi and love him. He still needs prayer for weight gain and strength for the daily regimen of therapy. We will be going back to Shands next week to have Santi fitted for a brace. The brace should help with the maintenance of the posture we need for him.
Keep this Gator in your prayers!

Deanna, from Orthotic and Prosthetic Services
will be making Santi's new brace next week

Love to all,

Mom