Seeing Surgeon Tomorrow

[rtremb]

Malka:
We are seeing the Head of Orthopaedics, Dr. Jarvis, at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

You are right I am not sure that not doing the surgery is really an option for Esme at this point.

We won't know the result of the bending x-rays until after the pulmonary test is done and we go back in to see him to discuss further where we go from here. She is facing a complete fusion if surgery is done - from about T2 - L4 or L5 so waiting probably won't affect how long the fusion ends up being.

We have always been against doing the surgery - guess that's no secret if you read my posts!! I just hope the doctor isn't telling us what he thinks we want to here - but I kind of doubt that.

Ruth

[sparklegirl59]

esme is in my prayers!

hello!!! God will be with esme and i'll b prayin 4 her!!! best of luck 2 her, and God bless!!! -val

[danceISlife]

I just wanted to say good luck with everything and I understand what you're going through. A second opinion may be a good idea, not to spoil your good news or anything. I just had surgery about a month ago because I had a large thoracolumbar curve of fifty degrees. My parents were totally against this surgery and tried lots of alternatives like going to see a chiropractor, a TENS unit, etc.; however, he stressed the fact that it would most likely progress throughout my life and I would probably end up needing surgery later on down the road. Recovery tends to be easier when you're younger. Plus, he wasn't thrilled with the fact that it was one large curve that threw my body way out of balance (which I was very self-conscious about and also gave me pain). Anyway, I think he said that the xrays taken right before my surgery showed that my curve had progressed even past fifty degrees a little, but I'm not sure what it was exactly. And if progression in those four months, even though I'm basically skeletally mature, was an indicator of the future then I have no regrets for getting surgery. Anyway, I wish you guys the best of luck with everything!!

[KJUNGRL2]

Wow, I knwo how you feel. It si so tough! We have decided to go with surgery. Talking with the surgeon, it is much easier on a younger child, plus you have to worry about curves over 60 deg. affecting their organs. The worse the curve the harder to correct it. So, weigh out your options and maybe get yet another opinion if thats what makes you comfortable!! Only you will know what is best!!