An eight-year-old with cerebral palsy is facing a tough phase of rehabilitation a year on from a life-changing operation.
Brooke Ramsay from Carnoustie returned to the specialist Frenchay Hospital in Bristol for a full check-up 12 months after she became the first Scottish child to undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy.
The astounding effects of the procedure, which aimed to eliminate the spasticity in her lower limbs, have already seen the youngster achieve her dream of riding a bike.
However, her father Stewart Ramsay said she is now approaching the “really difficult stage.”
“The assessment went really well and Brooke has made overall improvements in her strength, speed and walking function,” said Stewart, a local police officer.
“They agreed with the assessment of our local physiotherapists that we are in the ‘fine tuning’ stages of Brooke’s rehab.
“The improvements made in that stage are generally slower and less noticeable than the milestones she has reached by now.
“They were delighted she had been wall climbing, in particular and were very interested in the sessions she has at Avertical World in Dundee.
“They were also pleased she was cycling independently and encouraged us to keep up the practice with this.”
Stewart added: “This is always something that worries us because there are different ways to go when thinking about rehab and what works for one child may not work for another, so their assurances were very welcomed.”
Staff in Bristol are now preparing a report on Brooke’s progress and will make recommendations on her future exercise and health routine.
She has been advised to continue with core strength workouts and Stewart plans to enrol her in pilates classes.
He added: “Overall it was a very good trip for us, we are very happy with the results she got during her assessment and happy we are progressing in the right way.”