A Bend in the Road....So to Speak.

April 14, 2009
We were off to Children's on Tuesday to see Emma's the spine surgeon. Emma had her traditional xray of her neck and spine. While we waited to see the Dr.'s we played with Karys and read her a story. It was a long morning because there was such a long wait in radiology this time but it always interesting to meet and talk to other kids who are there for various forms of scoliosis. Tuesday in ortho is always scoliosis day so all the kids that come that day have scoliosis or some sping issues.
Anyway, we got to see the surgeon that actually did Emma's surgery this time and he was satisfied that the "hinge" has not gotten any worse so we will continue to wait before they correct that problem with surgery. The vertebra that is between her surgical fusion and her congenital one is quite abnormal. Being one vertebra on one side and two on the other. Which he said contributed to the decision to stop her fusion where they did because they are not exactly sure how to tackle that yet in regard to adding that in to a fusion.
An xray was also taken of Emma's whole spine which has not been done for quite some time and he told us that her 34 degree curve is now 51 degrees. He told us before that he expected that it would continue to worsen as she grows but they want to wait as long as possible before they fix it and they will combine that and the neck "hinge" surgery so that it only has to be done once if possible. At any rate, Emma has not really suffered in regards to her worsening curve and is comfortable so far. And, that is a reason to rejoice! So we will see the Dr. again in July to double check her "hinge" and probably ever three months to moniter the situaiton and that is fine with us. Emma asked the Dr. if she can ride her bike now and he said he thought that would be fine! Great! Lots of summer riding for the Groom family! Thank to all for your thoughts and prayers.