So we took some more x-rays today, and Benjamin’s surgery has been postponed for a few weeks to March 27th. At that time we will still be vulnerable to further postponement because we will require an ICU bed at Montreal Children’s Hospital, but for now that is our new intended surgery date. Although I am obviously going a little stir crazy here, I absolutely agree with the doctor’s call on this. Last week we did not see much movement in Ben’s spine, despite the fact he had been in traction for 4 weeks. I was pretty disappointed with this news. Nobody wants to hang their child’s head by screws for a month without seeing significant results. However, this week, things changed a bit more, and we are starting to see his muscles and spine relax, so we have decided to extend his traction period in the hope that this will continue. The less rigid the spine is going into surgery, the likelier it will be that we will have a better outcome. Our doctor will have to manipulate Ben’s spine significantly during the surgery, so it’s important that his bones and muscles are limber in a Namaste kind of way (dad – that’s a yoga reference). What seems like forever right now is just a drop in time in our overall lives, so we feel better taking steps to ensure the best future for Ben.
Oh, Bless him! We really appreciate these up-dates, Karen. He sure is a little trooper as is his mom!!!
I can only imagine what it must be like for all of you. With hugs and Blessings … Aunty Sue
We are just doing fine! Hugs back!
Just a drop in time. I like that. More time for Ben to collect hot wheels from his teacher! More time for you to eat poutine. More time for Ben’s body to be ready for surgery. We continue to think of you and pray for your family and especially Ben.
I’m glad to hear Ben’s spine is relaxing. That’s good news…even if it means you have to stay there longer. We will miss him in class even more. 🙁 But I know he’ll handle it all in stride, as he always does. Still praying for you and that everything will work out for the best. Have a good weekend.
He seems in good spirits. I was relieved to see some movement in his X-rays! So, we will wait and see what happens. I’m doing a bit more testing today. I’ll send you an email this weekend.
I think of you and Ben all through my day every day. I pray for both of you and we are looking forward to a wonderful outcome when the surgery takes place. Ben is such a sweetie, I’d love to be able to hug him. Your blogs are so interesting, you should write a book some day, you sure have a great way of explaining what is happening. Take care Karen and please give Ben a hug for us.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers June! Ben has adjusted phenomenally well to anything we throw at him. It is so quiet in here today, it’s like we are living in a library. Most of the surgery patients from the week are discharged and two of our long-term friends have weekend passes, so it will be a long, quiet weekend! 🙂 It’s a bit too cold for me to sneak out for a walk if a volunteer comes in to play with Ben. Thanks for the note!
So glad to hear that things are starting to relax, even if it means it will take longer for you. Ben is such a trooper and you do everything you can to set him up for success. I will be praying for the best possible outcome for him whenever the surgery happens. Maybe its just as well it was too cold out for a walk. You didn’t have to take your life in your hands!!! Although I have a friend who just came home form Nepal and I think that crossing the street sounds by far worse over there. Bordering on terrifying.
Who knew? I thought Nepal was supposed to be full of goat loving peaceful people??? You never know a culture til you see them drive! 🙂