juvenile arthritis 151
Unfortunately, soon after Teresa went home she became ill with dengue (break bone fever} and
nearly died. Her family stopped both exercises and medicines. When she returned to PROJIMO 6
weeks later, she was as stiff and bent as when she first came. She was so depressed she spoke to
no one. The team began her rehabilitation all over again.
This time they straightened her legs and arms with plaster
casts (see Chapter 59). They changed the casts every 2
days. With each cast change her joints were exercised.
Finally, with the casts, Teresa’s knees and wrists became
fairly straight. She now had some hand movement and could
play in the playground.
Exercise in the therapy pool at PROJIMO was fun and
greatly improved her movement.
Kicking balls with other disabled children helped Teresa
strengthen muscles that straighten legs.
Village children help her with activities
to use her hands. Here she weaves a
basket.
When her legs were stronger, Later Teresa began to walk using a homemade
the team made an adjustable walker with wood wheels. She wore leg braces
standing frame for her.
for support.
disabled village children