Willow's Day 1

[mariaf]

Well said, Laurie - there certainly IS always something to worry about with kids.

That said, two major surgeries over the past couple of years, as in Sharon's case, is a bit more than usual to have to stress over - so let's hope she gets a well-deserved break from having to worry about anything that big for a while

[Pooka1]

Laurie and Maria,

Unfortunately, plenty of parents go through far more than 2 surgeries like this in two years. But that said, it's been a mental burden of course.

After seeing these surgeries and recoveries, though, I am now presently more concerned about any emergent Marfans and potential heart/aorta surgery than fusion surgery. The complication rate on fusions is so low... I don't know what it is on repairing an enlarging aortic root and replacing heart valves. I'm guessing it is more risky but I don't know that. Aortic root surgery certainly seems like a bigger deal at this point than posterior spinal fusion but what do I know??

What keeps me going is the hope they don't have Marfans and(or) won't develop the aorta/heart problems if they do. I am also encouraged by the thought that these particular things anyway are fixable now and it will only get better and better into the future. Things could be worse. A lot worse.

And the scoli diagnoses may have saved their life. I never forget that point.

[Snoopy]

And Mary Lou, I am NOT expanding my family! Besides these two girls, I'm raising a horse, 5 guinea pigs, and a husband and am the grandmother to three snakes and a huge bullfrog.



Sharon, I'm glad to see that you are keeping your sense of humor through all this!

Mary Lou

[concerned dad]

... the grandmother to three snakes and a huge bullfrog.

Very glad to hear things are going so well for Willow.

Just a bit of advice/reminder since I'm sure you have your hands full:
Dont forget to feed the snakes. If you do forget, be sure to keep them away from that frog!

[Snoopy]

Dont forget to feed the snakes. If you do forget, be sure to keep them away from that frog!

And keep them away from the guinea pigs as well. I think the horse and husband are safe though.

Mary Lou

[babachi]

Great news, Sharon!
Bethany

[Lorraine 1966]

Oh Sharon, I am so very pleased that things are going along nicely for Willow, I honestly can hear the relief in your posts. Its up and away from here honey,

Lorraine. (Macky)

[CAmomof2]

Sharon,

So glad to hear that everything is going well. What a relief it must be to have that over with!!! All the best with recovery!

[mariaf]

What keeps me going is the hope they don't have Marfans and(or) won't develop the aorta/heart problems if they do. I am also encouraged by the thought that these particular things anyway are fixable now and it will only get better and better into the future. Things could be worse. A lot worse.

All very true. As you pointed out, there are several "if"s that would have to happen for you to get to the point of the girls needing heart surgery. And even if they did (which very likely they won't) these techniques are always being improved every day.

One last thing (and I should REALLY take my own advice - LOL!), it would be great if we, as parents, worried less about things we have no control over (and which might never happen)....but if anyone figures out how to turn off that "worry switch" please let me know

[Pooka1]

Bethany, Lorraine(!), and CAmomof2,

Thanks or the well wishes. I appreciate them very much.

Maria, I agree it would be great to turn off the worry. With such a great unknown as fusion surgery, I don't fault anyone for worrying. But seeing is believing and that's why I was able to worry less this time around.

[debbei]

How is she today Sharon?

[Pooka1]

How is she today Sharon?

Hey Debbei, please see the new thread.