The pre-op appt. for S was today. Here are some salient points:
1. Lumbar curves straightens completely on bending therefore compensatory.
2. Fusion will be T4-T12 or T4-L1 with the decision to be made on the table.
3. Risser is 3-4, NOT 0. After I picked my jaw off the floor and mopped up the drool, I asked how that could be when I was told her Risser was 0 in September. The surgeon said it happens. So this almost completely obviates the risk for crankshaft and was the best news we received. He added that the risk of crankshaft would be low for S even at the lower Risser. I didn't pursue it because I didn't care at that point.
4. He rarely does self-donated blood because the overall risk of that is higher than disease transmittance using blood bank blood in terms of how they have to handle the blood. That obviously isn't a full explanation but I accepted it. There is a 30% chance of needing blood bank blood in surgery of this type/duration. I asked if we should station her identical twin will in the lobby in case of needing an emergency donation. He said no. I'm not sure he realized I wasn't kidding. But I realize they wouldn't do that for any number of reasons, least of which they aren't going to simply take my word that the girls are identical though they do look alike.
5. Bone taken from spine and bone bank. None taken from the hip. VERY GOOD NEWS!
So overall, it was very good news. I am very relieved. Both S and W came out of there very happy and wanting to get to school as soon as possible. They made it back at lunch time. Could be worse.
When I dropped them off and signed them intoschool, I happened to see the homebound coordinator in the office. She said they qualify for certain things if a doctor says they will be out at least four weeks. Now based on the material I have, I am not convinced he will write that note. If we get close to four weeks out and need a note, I'll get it then.
Also, middle schools in this county no longer have the teacher as tutor program. I was sorry to hear that because their favorite teacher from last year emailed me and volunteered to be the teacher-tutor. I mentioned this to the homebound coordinator who said that the teacher likely isn't aware that the county doesn't offer that any more.
I can go in and pick up her assignments. Or maybe her twin can since they are in the same classes (except elective). The homebound coordinator mentioned something about English and Math assignments (as opposed to science and social studies I presume) that had to be done a certain way but I didn't catch it. I'll email her for clarification. I think science at is as important as Math and English. Call me a crazy scientist.
S will be about 5' 9" after the surgery, gaining about 2 inches on the table. They grow up so fast!
Afterwards, any further growth will be in the legs, if any.
1. Lumbar curves straightens completely on bending therefore compensatory.
2. Fusion will be T4-T12 or T4-L1 with the decision to be made on the table.
3. Risser is 3-4, NOT 0. After I picked my jaw off the floor and mopped up the drool, I asked how that could be when I was told her Risser was 0 in September. The surgeon said it happens. So this almost completely obviates the risk for crankshaft and was the best news we received. He added that the risk of crankshaft would be low for S even at the lower Risser. I didn't pursue it because I didn't care at that point.
4. He rarely does self-donated blood because the overall risk of that is higher than disease transmittance using blood bank blood in terms of how they have to handle the blood. That obviously isn't a full explanation but I accepted it. There is a 30% chance of needing blood bank blood in surgery of this type/duration. I asked if we should station her identical twin will in the lobby in case of needing an emergency donation. He said no. I'm not sure he realized I wasn't kidding. But I realize they wouldn't do that for any number of reasons, least of which they aren't going to simply take my word that the girls are identical though they do look alike.
5. Bone taken from spine and bone bank. None taken from the hip. VERY GOOD NEWS!
So overall, it was very good news. I am very relieved. Both S and W came out of there very happy and wanting to get to school as soon as possible. They made it back at lunch time. Could be worse.
When I dropped them off and signed them intoschool, I happened to see the homebound coordinator in the office. She said they qualify for certain things if a doctor says they will be out at least four weeks. Now based on the material I have, I am not convinced he will write that note. If we get close to four weeks out and need a note, I'll get it then.
Also, middle schools in this county no longer have the teacher as tutor program. I was sorry to hear that because their favorite teacher from last year emailed me and volunteered to be the teacher-tutor. I mentioned this to the homebound coordinator who said that the teacher likely isn't aware that the county doesn't offer that any more.
I can go in and pick up her assignments. Or maybe her twin can since they are in the same classes (except elective). The homebound coordinator mentioned something about English and Math assignments (as opposed to science and social studies I presume) that had to be done a certain way but I didn't catch it. I'll email her for clarification. I think science at is as important as Math and English. Call me a crazy scientist.
S will be about 5' 9" after the surgery, gaining about 2 inches on the table. They grow up so fast!
Afterwards, any further growth will be in the legs, if any.
Comment