We have a surgery date!

[Cheryl M]

Hi Connie,

I wish Briann's doctor would recommend physical therapy. He doesn't think she needs it.

Briann is exempt from all end of grade tests. Praise the Lord we don't have that worry. I guess her grade will be based on where she is on May 12th and any make-up work she can do for 2 weeks. She wants to go to 8th grade graduation and I am praying she will be healed enough to participate. There are lots of other fun things that last week too and I am just hoping she will be able to go partial days. She is only having 1 vertebra fused but Doc is replacing the entire rod so her incision will be the full length of her back. Bummer!

Thanks for your prayers and my best to you and Elizabeth.

Cheryl

[Cheryl M]

Hi Everyone,

Briann's pre-op went well. We had the same nurse as last time and she remembered us. We were only there 30 minutes. The anesthesiologist showed me her charts from the last surgery and everything looked good. This was a relief. I always wonder if they tell you everything that goes on in there.

Surgery is set for 8:30 on Monday (15th). She chose not to do the thoracoplasty so surgery should be about 2 hours. Please pray that her recovery is quick (doc said 2-3 weeks) as she so badly wants to participate in 8th grade graduation on 6/9.

Hope everyone is doing well and thanks for your prayers.

Cheryl M

[AnnLF]

Dear Cheryl,

Glad to hear to post-op went well, with no surprises. The familiarity of having the same nurse/same anesthesiologist must have provided some measure of comfort. Is this a de-ja-vu experience or what?

Tell Briann that Liz has told her friends (who all know about the "three Elizabeths) and that the prayer chain has widened.

After all that Briann has been through, we're hoping this will be much easier and that she'll be fine by graduation.

Keep us posted on Monday, if you can. Oh, and Happy Mother's Day! Love, Ann

[dancermom]

Hi Cheryl and Ann. We are praying for Briann on this end too. It is the same way here with people knowing about the "3 Elizabeths". I wish Briann didn't have to go through another operation, but thankfully it isn't as intense or as long as the first time. I can only imagine what must be going through Briann's mind and yours. Please let us know as soon as you can how she is doing on Monday. We will also be praying that Briann will feel well enough and strong enough to go to her 8th grade graduation.

We don't have an 8th grade graduation here, but my Elizabeth and nine other friends have a limo for after school gets out that last day. It will take them downtown where they are eating at a nice restaurant, riding the water canal, and then heading back to the high school for pictures. There will be at least 3 moms (me included) waiting downtown for them to chaperone their excursion.

I hope everyone is continuing to heal and get stronger. Elizabeth is on her 3rd week of physical therapy and it seems to be helping her get quite a bit stronger. Plus the therapist is working on massaging the scar tissue that has built up around the back scar and the hip scar. That hasn't felt too good, but apparently it is something that needed to be worked on.

Love,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

Thanks guys for your prayers. This time I will already know where the computer room is on the Ped floor so I should be able to update you on Monday. We're all fairly calm at this point so the prayers are working. I'm just praying she doesn't catch a cold. Seems like everybody has one.

Cheryl M

[dancermom]

Hi Cheryl. Just wanted you to know that you and Briann are in our prayers today. I can only imagine the emotions and feelings you must be going through getting ready to have another surgery scheduled less than 6 months from the last one. I hope that Briann is holding up ok and that she can attend her graduation. Thanks for keeping us informed. We will definitely be praying hard tomorrow that everything go smoothly and for a successful and last surgery.

Love,
Connie and Elizabeth

[AnnLF]

Good luck tomorrow...we're thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Elizabeth sends her best wishes to Briann -- she keeps mentioning her and is in awe of her strength to do this again. Love, Ann

[Breeze]

Prayers to you and Briann tomorrow. We pray this surgery is super successful and recovery is speedy so she is able to enjoy her end of the year festivities.
Peace & Blessings,
Kate & Breanne :)

[Cheryl M]

Hi Guys,

It's 4:00 and Briann has been in a room since 1:00. Surgery was about 2 1/2 hours. Very successful as of now. Her back looked so straight on the xray. Doctor did replace the full rod so another big incision to heal. He said this morning that he may just make an extension so the incision would have been small and that he would make that call once he got in there. He called out and told us due to a number of things he felt it would be best to replace the whole rod and he fused the one vertebra.

She is doing great! Bowel sounds already and she got apple juice and is drinking water and eating ice chips. She cracked us up this morning. She was calm after the IV went in and then they gave her meds to relax her and she was cracking jokes and we were all 3 horse laughing. Boy did we need that! God knows exactly what we all needed and it was definitely in the form of relaxation medicine because I believe it helped me and Troy more than Briann.

Please pray that there will be no infection and that her recovery is much faster than the first go round. You guys have been a miracle for me and I don't know what I would have done without this forum's support.

Better go! Thanks for you prayers. God is good!

Cheryl

[AnnLF]

Big sigh of relief coming your way from Illinois. Tell Briann we are marveling at her strength. Cracking jokes just before heading into surgery...what a trooper! Hope all continues to go well. Briann's uneventul recovery is at the top of our prayer list. And here's hoping you all get a peaceful, worry-free sleep tonite. Love, Ann

[KRIS ATKINSON]

Thank God again, Cheryl and Briann! God is definitely good! Hang in there! Kris

[dancermom]

We are so happy to hear that Briann is doing so well. You guys have definitely been in our thoughts and prayers these last few days. Hopefully the recovery time will be quicker and Briann will feel more like herself very soon.

Please know that we are all here for you and Briann and have nothing but good wishes and support coming your way. And, I agree, that GOD IS GOOD!!

Love,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

Hi everyone,

I need you to pray for us. Briann is doing great but the nurses can't get her drain out. This could possibly be due to infection. Her doctor is coming by at 1:00 when he gets out of surgery. Please pray that he gets the drain out with no problem and that no infection is brewing. We may go home today.
Cheryl

[AnnLF]

Prayers are going up as I write this. Hope you get home tonight. Ann

[dancermom]

We are praying too. I sure hope that the doctor was able to get the drain tube out when he came and that there is no infection. Please let us know how she is doing when you can.

Love,
Connie

[SPerley]

Hi, Cheryl M. - I have recently discovered this forum and have been reading all of everybodys' entries with great interest, particularly your account of your daughter Briann's surgery. My son, Sam, is scheduled to have surgery on June 14th with the same doctor here in Charlotte. I'm getting nervous as the date approaches and the many different appointments that are being scheduled. He seems to be fine. I think he's just too preoccupied with finishing school, graduation, etc. to dwell too much on it right now. I suppose that's a good thing. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you have been a wonderful source of answers to questions I have had and I hope that Briann's 2nd recovery goes well. I'm going to keep reading with great interest.
Take care,

Shelby

[Cheryl M]

Ann, Connie, Thanks for your prayers. We got home Wednesday. A few rough episodes but she is doing great. She walked in the neighborhood last night. I am so proud of her. The drain is only a slight problem. A little piece was left in. We have talked with many doctors who say this will never be a problem. She will never feel it,see it, know it. It is a foreign object but so is all the other hardware in her back. We tend to defy all the odds so I'm just praying that this never causes her any problems. Thanks guys! I'm on the other side again!!!!!

Shelby,

Doctor W. is a fantastic doctor. We have unfortunately had some mishaps but I still swear by him. The whole practice has come to my rescue when I needed something. Dr. W. has called from his vacations, from his car to my vacation. One bit of advice. When your son is admitted to a room (I'm assuming CMC) make sure you let the nursing staff know that you want a nurse who knows how to take care of scoliosis patients (log roll, how to get up, etc.) The first time we had THE BEST nursing care. It was incredible. This last time, our first night nurse (although very sweet, caring, etc.) had absolutely no idea how to take care of Briann. I had to explain to her about log roll and how to get up. Don't settle for someone who doesn't know. private message me and I'll give you my e-mail and phone number if you want to talk more.

Cheryl

[AnnLF]

What joyous news!

Give Briann our very best and tell her we think she's amazing. What a strong, brave girl. If she's already walking through the neighborhood, there's no doubt she'll be able to join in her graduation festivities.
Love, Ann

P.S. Lizzie will be graduating too. She has prom on June 2nd, graduates on June 4th. She found a beautiful dress -- with a low back yet!

[Cheryl M]

Hi Guys,

Briann's post-op went well today. Her thoracic curve has stabilized at 32 which is down from 70 plus and he corrected her lumbar this time to 15, down from 55 plus. He says we may have some settling in the lumbar. The tiny incision drain that broke off while removing it is "tiny." We could see it on the x-ray. This is evidently in the muscle layer and the doctor truly feels it will never give her any problems. I hate to even say it because you know how we defy the odds but there's a very slim possibility that 2 or 3 months down the road we'd have to remove it. We've decided to leave it alone unless it's a necessity. He cleared her for anything she feels up to doing. She has had 2 great days, no naps, only 1/2 lortab twice a day and that's only because "I" think she needs it for comfort, no pain though.

She wants to go back to school next week and I'll probably let her go for 2 or 3 hours. She'll definitely be back for graduation and the 8th grade play. She got a new dress from Ann Taylor Loft and she is so excited about graduation.

Hope all of you are doing well. Sorry I've been a little consumed with "us". I'm ready to start focussing on others and pray that Briann is finished with all of this.

Cheryl

[AnnLF]

Cheryl, you have every right to be consumed with "you." Absolutely no apologies needed.

Soooo happy to hear Briann is bouncing back so quickly. She's a pro at his now. Her corrections sound great, her stamina sounds remarkable. Tell her we think of her and are rooting for her to get back to school, graduate and have a wonderful, carefree summer. Happy Memorial Day! Ann

[KRIS ATKINSON]

Cheryl, so glad things are doing so well for you! Take care, Kris

[Jason]

Hi my daughter is having the surgery sometime in July. We don't have a date set yet. We are having the surgery at WakeMed in Raleigh. Our Doctor is Dr. Mankin. I did all the reserch I could I he seams to be very good at the proceedure. I'm just nervous and a little scared. I will keep you in my prayers.

[dancermom]

Hi Cheryl. Sorry I haven't been around much, but we moved to a new house about a week ago and didn't have internet until a couple of days ago. I wanted to pop in and check on Briann. Sounds like the tiny drainage tube won't cause any problems and that is for sure what we will pray for. She has been through enough without having to deal with other things too.

So glad to hear that she went to church today and is feeling like doing a few things. My Elizabeth went to the lake with a friend and her parents. They will be riding sidus (sp??) and are out on a boat. I worry about her back and her doing things that will hurt it, but I know that I have to let her have fun and live again. Her doctor has released her to do pretty much anything, but that doesn't mean that her mom has! :)

Take care and thanks for letting us know how things are going.

Ann, tell Lizzie congrats on graduating and to have fun at the prom. How fun! We went through high school graduation with our son last weekend. He looked so handsome in his cap and gown.

Good luck to Shelby and Jason too on your son and daughter's upcoming surgeries. This forum is a great source of information, support, and encouragement. I don't know what we would have done without it.

Love,
Connie

[AnnLF]

Hi Guys,

Good to hear from you, Connie. Wow, you've been busy. A move and a graduation all in one week. Hope Elizabeth had a blast over the weekend at the lake and that she didn't have to think much about her back.

Connie and Cheryl -- can you believe we are at the 6-month mark? Whew, so happy those six months are behind us. And to think we debated on doing Lizzie's surgery after her graduation. I can't imagine what kind of mess I'd be right now, since I'm already getting blue about her graduating and going to college. I just don't know where are the years have gone.

Hope everyone's summer is off to a good start. I feel bad saying that since the June kids are facing surgery very soon. I was thinking about them recouping in the summer time -- at least they won't have the school issues to worry about.

Take care...I'm off to work in a dash. Ann

[Cheryl M]

Thanks to all of you for praying for us. Briann went to school yesterday for 3 hours. After that she was wiped out. I am so proud of her.

Kris, guess Erica is almost at the 1 year! Yay!

Connie, wow a new house. Hope Elizabeth had fun at the lake. Briann's doctor released her to do whatever she feels like but she always tells people "but my mom says I can't do....." Sounds like we're similar.

Ann, hope Lizzie has a great time at the prom and graduating High School! Briann doesn't let her scar bother her either. She just wears whatever she feels like wearing.


Jason, my prayers are with you as you approach surgery. The first 2 weeks have rough moments but it flies by and these kids bounce back so quickly. I haven't heard of your doctor in Raleigh but I'm she he's great!

Thanks for your prayers!

Cheryl

[KRIS ATKINSON]

Glad to hear Briann is doing so well! It was a good feeling to have Erica take and pass the sports screening for the next 12 months of school. She is now up to running around our house 4 times each day in the cool of the day, in preparation for track next spring!!! A few months ago it cause pail to rund 20 feet, so that is a big jump. I'm so glad to have her finally getting emotionally and physically prepared to delve into sports again. Track is a sport that tends not to draft students, unless they can't fit them all on the bus, so she doesn't feel like she has to compete to make the team. Also, the meets are primarily for personal best, rather than who wins the race. She swims also. Yesterday, I took her twin brother to swim team at our local pool and Erica studied in the hot van to avoid being seen by the swim team. Last summer the swim team gave her a huge card for her surgery wishing her well, signed by all the swimmers. Unfortunately, she still hates to think or talk about having had surgery. Once she gets in the water with her racing swim suit on, though, she is fine about her scar. She just doesn't want 20 questions about how she is doing, etc. I did notice her racing swim suit from 2 years ago does a really good job of cammouflaging most of the scar. She doesn't notice it showing, though. If only she would feel less self concious about facing questions about it too. Her 1 year follow-up is July 18, I think. Coming up!!! If the x-rays show her spine is fused completely, I will finally let her ride the bus (no seat belts). Like some of you said, the doctor cleared her for the bus long ago, but MOM didn't! My hubby has expressed his aggravation for the gas to transport her recently, when the doctor cleared her. I know how I will never accept myself if the bus has an accident as I've heard occasionally and throws out of seat. As I tell some people, others may break a bone or something if that happens, but post-surgery spine people can split the spine, and that is not worth the chance for me while those rods continue to hold the spine in position as it fuses for however long it takes. 3 more days of school for our kids, yeah!!! (not sure if I (mom) am really that eager, actually) Kris

[AnnLF]

Hi!

Lizzie had her six-month appointment yesterday and all is good. Life is really returning to normal. She doesn't need to go back for another six months, which will be the one-year mark. Her doctor is encouraging her to get out there and start smashing tennis balls -- no need to hold back any longer. Hurray! Kris, if I'm feeling good about the six-month mark, I can imagine your joy as Erica's one-year "anniversary" approaches.

Cheryl and Connie: I sent you a private message.

Happy summer to all. Ann

[AnnLF]

Well, it's been such a long time since I've posted .... I hope everyone from this thread is doing great in their recoveries.

I wanted to report that Lizzie will be leaving for college tomorrow. She is going to Indiana University and will be an official "Hoosier." Such a bright light from the dread and fear from last October when Cheryl started this thread. I'm torn -- so happy for her to be entering this exciting new phase of life, but oh-so-sad that my "baby" is leaving. I'm wondering if her surgery and all the time we spent together during her recovery is making this slightly harder for me. Or maybe I'm being "Freud-ish" and reading too much into my blues.

Being in a somewhat refective mood, I couldn't help but recall Nikki telling us about Crystal jumping over an open dishwasher door. At the time, we were in full recovery mode and I wasn't even able to imagine it. Well, I'm happy to say that last week Liz jumped across a lounge chair at the pool. So, I've guess wev'e come full circle!

Hope all is well with everyone as the new school year approaches. Love, Ann

[nikyergen]

Anne, I understand the blues about the kids being older. I registered Crystal last week with final year of high school. Her grandma and I decided she hasn't been around long enough to be that old. Senior in high school, and those Senior pictures. Wow, next June she will be headed right off to college and started with a whole new world. I still have two that will be at home, but one of them is a Junior this year and the other a Freshman. But, I am looking forward to school starting, maybe life at home will slow down a little bit. Then, we will be concentrating on Graduation Day next May for Crystal. Craig & I have already decided what to do for her Graduation Gift. Craig is going to build a hope chest for her in our wood shop and then I'm going to buy little things during the year to fill it with. You know, all those things a college student needs. Towels, wash clothes, etc.

Anyway, my thoughts are with you on the beginning of school. And, how horrifying it is to see these kids getting back to normal, jumping over things, and for us to just sit there and not panic.

Well, got to go.

Love & Prayers,
Nikki

[Cheryl M]

Ann,
I think you're right about growing close during the long recovery. I would never wish this on my child again but I cherish those days that we spent together and the closeness I felt to Briann. And I got to do it twice. Here's wishing I never have to do it again!

I hope that you are adjusting well. I'm sure Lizzie is having a blast. If you haven't read "Feather from my Nest" by Beth Moore, you need to read it. It's about her girls going off to college, etc.

Briann is doing great! Finished driver's ed and started high school. I would say she's at 100% now. I'm not even sure when her next dr. appt. is. I just pray that all is as it should be. It's amazing how you quickly move on and quit focussing 24/7 on scoliosis. I was obsessed with wanting every bit of information I could get but it's how I found comfort. I don't know what I would have done without all of you and this forum. I have to start logging on more often and helping those who are now facing decisions about their future.

My best and prayers to all.

Cheryl

[dancermom]

Hi everyone. Thought I would take a moment to post too. I can't believe that we are at the 9 month mark. It was a year ago at this time we found out that Elizabeth was going to need surgery. All the difference a year can make!

We go back to the doctor on Sept. 14 for a 6-7 month checkup. I kind of forgot and let the 6 month mark go from our last appt. that was in February. I am a little concerned as Elizabeth is complaining about her lower back being pretty sore these days, but hopefully it is just getting back into school and sitting again and being more active. I will let you all know how the appt. goes.

Ann, I can't believe that Lizzie has left for college. My son also left this year but is only an hour away from home. I can only imagine how you must feel with all you have been through with Lizzie. I hope this will be a really good experience for her and that she doesn't even have to think about her back. I just had a friend leave today headed back to Indianapolis. It is a very pretty place and I know Lizzie will do great!

Cheryl, I can relate with the girls starting high school. It is a scary thing as they seem so grown up and mature. Elizabeth won't get her permit until March as they have to be 15 1/2 here in Oklahoma. She is already talking about it though. Good luck to Briann on her driving. I am so amazed at how Briann has come through both surgeries and has recovered so well.

I just so appreciate you all for the support and encouragement that was given throughout presurgery times and post. It has been so encouraging to know that you understand and are going through such similar things.

Have a great school year and please stay in touch.

Love, Connie

[Marieokc]

Hi everyone:

It is great to hear from everyone. Carrie is at the 7 month post op mark and doing so incredibly well that we forget that we were so worried and anxious just a few short months ago. This is the better side to be on, that's for sure.

She is a senior in high school and driving everywhere everyday. She is going to piano lessons and marching with the high school band and even going to physical therapy three times a week. She is taking pre-calculus, anatomy and Honors government in school and doing great. She feels great and she says the physical therapy is making her stronger and more confident and more flexible. PT has definitely been worth the effort for her.

She had a marvelous 6-month post op appt. with her doctor. He said that she has healed perfectly and he is so pleased with how much she can do and how well she is feeling. Carrie has actually helped two other girls who have gone through this surgery with the same doctor. We have been at the hospital waiting with the families, and that has been especially emotional for me. I see her doctor come out in the scrubs and I hear him talking to the families and I can flash back to our experience and I find myself crying right along with everyone else.

Carrie has been bringing home information about caps and gowns and class rings and announcements. I cannot believe we are at this time in our lives. I know that it will only be a year from now when she will be heading to college (as of right now, her goal is to become a pharmacist). She said that the surgery has made her more confident and happy with herself and her appearance; it has all been good for her. I'm so glad that we as her parents could make this happen for her and I am especially glad that the results were so wonderful for her.

I continue to read this forum and I love to hear how everyone is doing. I will always feel a part of this wonderful scoliosis family. All yall helped me so much when we were facing the unknown. I don't know what I would have done without your wonderful support. I hope that we have helped others along the way.

Marie

[AnnLF]

Hey Gals,

Did you all see those stars next to the "We've got a surgery date" thread? I wonder what that means.....

We were just at Indiana University for Freshman Parent Weekend and what a joy it was to see Lizzie and see how she's blossomed in just a few short weeks. She was quite teary when we dropped her off (imagine that lovely 4-hour drive home; I was a wreck). But the blues seemed to last only a day or two and she's off and running. When I asked her how she liked it on a scale of 1 to 10, she gave it an 11! As a parent, I couldn't be more thrilled that she's so happy there.
Get this...all her new friends are just amazed (and envious of) at her posture!

Glad to hear your girls are doing so well. Connie and Cheryl - you're both off on the exciting high school journey. I hope it's wonderful for Briann and Elizabeth. Good luck with the driving -- that wasn't my favorite part of high school, but I found it much easier with Liz than her brother, so Connie maybe you'll experience that too! How did Elizabeth's appointment go? Is the soreness still there? It is an adjustment to sit in a desk all day after a long summer.

Marie, enjoy the last year. I remember the cap & gown measurement time and also wondered where the years went. How nice that Carrie has the surgery behind her and can truly enjoy her senior year.

The jury is still out here on this empty-nesting thing. It's so darned quiet! But I'm trying to enjoy the good parts of it. My husband and I are big golfers and on a pleasant evening, we'll go out and play nine. We could never do that before. And my kitchen is staying so clean. Not cooking a whole lot and no kids here making messes!

I love hearing from everyone. Soon, the November girls will be approaching their first anniversary...what JOY. Too bad we're so far apart that we couldn't gather to celebrate. Love, Ann

[MATJESNIC]

Hi,

I hope you don't mind my butting into your conversation. But I too just dropped my son off at college a few weeks ago. He is at Penn State and he is my oldest. I'm just so surprised that I was very unemotional. I usually cry at commercials. But I have been very calm. I didn't even cry at graduation.
We are going to visit him this weekend. It is about a 4 hour drive, as well.
I still have my girls at home. My little one is 12 and she is the one with scoliosis.

Melissa

[Cheryl M]

Ann,
I wonder what's up with the stars. Oh well, it kind of makes me feel special. How weird it must be to have all your kiddos out of the house. I am so glad that Lizzie is happy at college. That proves you've done a great job as a parent. I can't believe my first will be going in four short years. I just hope I do all the right, or close to right, things as we head into high school. So far, she loves it.

Briann's has had lots of comments on her posture too. She had her 4 month or 10 month post-op yesterday. I was a nervous wreck since we usually get surprising news at her dr. appts. Actually I think this appt. was in response to the May surgery. She looks fantastic on the x-ray. The doctor cleared her to ride roller coasters at a themepark in Charlotte who has this special Halloween thing. She is so excited. I told her she could only ride the smooth ones. We go back in six months so I guess we won't be heading back for the 1 year since we were so close.

Melissa, I know what you mean about the tears thing. I cry so easily but on the day of Briann's surgeries (she had 2) I was so calm. Prayer works! God really came through on those 2 days because that certainly wasn't something I could have done by myself.

Connie, how's high school for Elizabeth? Briann just got called to do the 5 day driving part but she has a terrible cough and cold......as do we all so we're gonna postpone for a couple of weeks.

My best to you all!

Cheryl

[dancermom]

Hi Ann and Cheryl. I can't believe that we are almost 10 months post-op and talking about the year anniversary. How awesome!!

We had Elizabeth's check up last Thursday and the doctor was very pleased with how her x-rays and back were looking. He told her she could be the poster child for scoliosis surgery. :) Elizabeth asked him about why her lower back is so sore and he told her that it just takes a long time for all the muscles to heal completely and that she needed to be sure to do a lot of stretching. She needs to be doing the exercises she was given during physical therapy, but it seems like between homework, dancing, and going to school there isn't much time.

Elizabeth really does love being in high school. For some reason it is harder on me knowing she is old enough to be a freshman. I guess I just know how quickly my son's 4 years went by in high school. I am not ready for the empty nest yet, although it has been kind of nice having just one at home right now. I do miss my son though and will be glad when he comes home again for a visit.

Cheryl, I hope that Briann feels better soon and she can get her driving in for driver's ed. My husband has taken Elizabeth driving in a couple of parking lots letting her get some practice in. She thinks that is pretty cool. She will get her permit in March and will take driver's ed probably in February. How is Briann enjoying high school? As far as the roller coaster thing, our doctor cleared Elizabeth too except for the really jerky ones or ones that flip you hard. It still makes me nervous though!

Ann, I am sure it will take some adjustment to get used to the empty nest. The quiet would be nice at times, but kind of lonely at others as I enjoy the laughter and busyness of Elizabeth and her friends when they are over. Too bad we do live so far apart as it would be a really special thing to meet up to celebrate the 1 year anniversary.

Marie, hope Carrie enjoys her senior year. It will go by so quickly. Thankfully the surgery is behind all of you and you can concentrate on all the special things that go on during this school year. Is Carrie having any problems with back soreness with all the marching in band? Elizabeth is sore from starting back to dance, but it is also good for her to be doing the activities that she loves again.

Take care everyone and thanks for checking in. You all are very special to me and I am so thankful for the encouragement and support.

Love,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

You guys aren't going to believe this. My husband and I have whooping cough (it's the pertussis in the dpt vaccine). It's a horrible cough that lasts weeks to months. I am so thankful that it is this year and not this time last year when we were heading into surgery. Our kids haven't gotten it as their vaccine is still probably good. I would suggest anyone with an upcoming surgery consider talking witht their primary care physician about getting a booster as adolescense vaccines tend to run out from age 11 to 18 and adults have probably definitely run out. It has now been added back into the tetanus booster that most kids get at 12 and adult boosters of tetanus. I think its called dtap now.

It's a horrible,horrible cough and seems to be on th rise in the last few years. I hope this helps keep anyone from getting this.

Cheryl M

[dancermom]

Hi Cheryl. Just wanted to write and say that I hope you and your husband are feeling better after dealing with the whooping cough. I haven't heard of anyone getting it around here, but you never know. I am very glad that it wasn't this time last year when you guys got sick with it. Thankfully we are all coming up on the one year anniversary next month and things are continually improving.

Elizabeth is dancing 4 nights a week again and is starting to trust her body again with different moves and feelings. It has been scary for her to wonder about every ache or pain, but the doctor reassured her that everything is healing well and she can be active again.

Hope everyone is doing well too - Cheryl, Ann, and Marie.

Love,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

Happy Thanksgiving! We all have so many things to be thankful for. My major one is that we are not facing surgery in a few days. How quickly a year passes. We are all doing great! Whooping cough is slowly but surely going away. Briann is fantastic and enjoying high school. May God bless all of you this Thanksgiving and may He also keep everyone safe during this holiday season.
Love,
Cheryl

[Marieokc]

Hi Everyone:

Just wanted to let you know that we were most thankful for Carrie being exactly 10 months post op this Thanksgiving! She is doing wonderfully and has no pain at all.

She is a senior in high school and was able to perform all of the required physical demands of marching band this year. She said she felt better than ever while marching. So it was all worth it for her. She really got a lot from physical therapy and she said by the last few sessions, they were giving her a workout, not just therapy.

Carrie has applied and been accepted to college and has even gotten information that she has earned a scholarship for academics. She plans to become a pharmacist. She is looking forward to college next fall.

I'm so glad to hear that all is well with everyone. I can't believe this time has gone by so fast, but I'm glad we are all on this side of surgery. Please take care and have a great holiday season.

Love, Marie

[dancermom]

Hi everyone! I knew that I needed to come online and write again. One year ago we were facing this back surgery and I can't believe how much has changed over this past year. Elizabeth is back to dancing again full-time. She takes 4-5 classes a week and has pretty much no limitations. I worry much more than anyone else does about her getting hurt. She is loving high school and is talking about getting her driver's permit in March. Her daddy is already taking her out and letting her drive in parking lots and the neighborhood.

Marie, I am so glad that Carrie is doing so well. And congrats!! on the scholarship for college. That is so awesome! I understand what you are saying about the physical therapy too - Elizabeth was really getting a good workout by the end of her sessions. I couldn't do what they had her doing - that is for sure!

Ann and Cheryl, I am so thankful for our friendship and bond with our girls. I couldn't have made it through as well without your support and encouragement. I really wish one day we could meet with our girls and let the "Elizabeths" meet face to face.

I am just so thankful that we are one year out and can look back at how far we have all come.

Love to you all,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

Wow! It's been a long time. Briann will be 1 year post-op tomorrow for her 2nd surgery. How time flies. She is doing great! We recently saw her Doctor and he said to come back in 1 year and after that to come back at 18 years old. Hope all is well with everyone.

Cheryl

[flowerpower]

Hi Cheryl,

Congrats on the 1 yr. post-op for 2nd surgery. So glad to hear Briann is doing well.

Renee

[Ivanvee]

Well I suppose its the piece of news we don't want to hear yet when we get it we (well me) can't help but think, this is what will make girl straight again.
Naomi my daughter 12 1/2 years of age will under go surgery on September 4 to correct her Scoliosis 64T.
She has asked me if their is anyone out there of similar age who she could email and talk to about the operation. Obviously it would need to be someone who has experienced similar surgery keeping in mind it looks like her lumbar area will be spared (maybe L1)? The procedure looks like covering T4/T5 to L1.
I would appreciate a note if anyone is able to share their email so Naomi can talk to someone who can help her with the questions.
Obviously we are also working with professionals in preparing us all for this day/event but I need for her to ask questions a kids way to someone who has experienced all this.
If you can help that would be great, please send a private message with email, name and Naomi will make contact. Appreciate any help.
Ivan (Naomi's dad)