So glad I found you guys!

[Elisa]

Ed, I'm not concerned about yesterday's x-rays and I know it's pretty standard procedure and all but I had every right to be present when she took them and I don't know what her problem was about me being there but I didn't appreciate her attitude. I have always been present while Elias has had his x-rays done so I know it's nothing to do with procedure or anything like that.

She left me standing at the door and told me I could ask questions from there which of course I wouldn't b/c I thought it rude of her to suggest I talk about my son's personal health issues in front of a waiting room with others sitting there and could obviously hear our conversation.

Also, I thought it would be good for me to let her know a little bit about his implants b/c scoliosis surgery on kids is not done on Vancouver Island and we all know there was a snowball's chance in hell that he'd get it done in Vancouver so I figured I'd fill her in on a few things. Turns out she did ask Elias a couple of questions that he did NOT know the answers to and I could certainly have answered them. I really think she was just giving me a hard time for whatever her reason(s) was. I know the hospital here isn't exactly Shriners Portland and all but geez, no need to be so bloody snotty. Next time he needs to get x-rays done here I will make a point of telling them beforehand that I plan on being present, unless of course it is a policy change from before but I really doubt it.

[Elisa]

7 weeks post-op today. The incision is still quite bright but he’s feeling pretty good, gaining weight and some muscle tone is starting to come back especially in his arms. Not the best pic as it’s a bit dark and he’s turned to the side but that’s as good as it gets today as he’s off making himself a huge sandwich before our barbecue and strawberry cheesecake dinner. It's his 15th. birthday today. I can't believe it's been that long and he was so polite to be actually born on his due date in the middle of the afternoon after 45 minutes of labour. :-)

[Pooka1]

Happy Birthday to Elias! I hope he has a great day!

ps. I am very jealous of your short labor. Mine was 10 hours and I don't want to seem whingy given others have longer labors. I'm just saying I am still bitter over not getting enough drugs. :-)

[Elisa]

I know, I'd be bitter too if I were you and even ten hours is good! It was so weird that I went into the hospital to get things checked out on June 7th. b/c I was feeling a bit "uncomfortable" and they kept me there b/c I was in full labour but didn't know it. I asked if I was having the baby soon and she said "yes, before I finish my tea". If it makes you feel any better, the first two kids were not born on their due date and were not as easy. I felt pain, lol.

[Pooka1]

No, hearing others are in pain doesn't make me feel better but thanks for trying. :-)

There was some sort of mix-up in my case... I attended some birthing classes which I thought were general information. In fact they must have been natural childbirth classes because nobody was offering me anything. Finally I had my husband insist they give me something (stadol) and that got me too close to the births that they would not give me an epidural at that point. I was extremely scared at that point and felt tricked and cheated. I had no pain coping mechanisms and it was not a happy memory due to the pain. The best part is that the second kid who was transverse came down head first and not some other way. Small mercies.

Sorry for the novel but I'm still bitter. :-)

[mariaf]

Happy (Belated) Birthday to Elias!!!! You have an incredible young man there!

[Elisa]

This is the first side-view x-ray I’ve seen of Elias’ metalwork. It was taken here in CR about a week ago. Wow, check out those bendy rods and oh-so-many screws!

Thanks Maria.

Pooka, I attended natural childbirth classes too with all that 'hee hee' breathing but never did breath that way and just did my own thing. Didn't need any drugs but I came oh so close I tell ya!

[Elisa]

8 weeks post-op

It’s been eight weeks today since Elias had his second scoliosis surgery. He seems to be doing pretty well and says he feels the worst first thing in the morning and can’t wait to have a hot shower b/c he’s all stiff and sore from sleeping all night.

His scar still looks nasty and the stretch marks are still fairly red but I’m putting the Bio Oil on daily mostly b/c I bought it and am going to at least use it up. He’s definitely put on a bit of weight and his colour is looking much better. I’m also making him sit outside with me for at least half an hour a day when I get home from work and it’s nice outside. Today is not nice outside.

He does seem to have a little red patch on the left side of his scar near the top and he says it's itchy. I'm thinking it might be a flea bite b/c of the four cats around here and the bugs do seem to just love him. I don't think I've had a flea bite in my life, heh.

[Bigbluefrog]

Oh my goodness, I just read from post one to your last post...wow, you have been through quite a journey. Your son's back looks amazing. I am very happy you found help and a specialist that could do so much for your son!

this surgery is a miracle, and I hope he continues to do well..

[mariaf]

Just wondering how is Elias doing....

[titaniumed]

Yes, we are wondering....

So, the bugs love Elias?

I’m wondering if fleas feel the effects of heavy opoid’s? You would think that they would just take a bite, get wasted, and fall off. With their size, and metabolism, they sure could use a flea nurse with Narcan just in case.

They probably just all OD’d and fell off.

(Chuckle,chuckle)

Ed

[Elisa]

Hi guys, it's been a little while since I've been on here and online in general. This is a very busy time of year for me b/c it is tourist/hotel season and I can hardly keep up. I've been bugging my boss to hire one more person to help out or even half a person but I'm not sure that's possible, lol.

Add to that, my laptop stopped working so I'm using a desk model and have to fight for time on it with other family members. It should be a bit better now though b/c my daughter just bought herself a Blackberry yesterday so I'm expecting her to use that more.

Also, we were really busy with her grade 12 graduation which went really well. So glad she's out of high school now and she did it all in the first shot at 17! :-)

My lower back has been really sore for close to three weeks now and I'm sure it's b/c of the type of work I do as well as normal aging I think. Finally broke down and went to the doctor last week and he gave me a couple of scripts but I haven't taken anything yet and my back is starting to feel much better so hopefully I'm on the mend.

Elias is doing great. He feels great and he looks great. He has no complaints about anything and I think he's pretty much back to the way he was before his scoliosis went whacky. He's still a night owl and I do drag him outside into the sunshine but honestly we haven't had a whole lot around these parts. Thanks for asking about him; appreciate it.

[Elisa]

3 Months Post-Op.

It’s been exactly three months since Elias had his second scoliosis surgery/halo traction and he is doing so well. He has not complained of any back issues at all, has gained a bit of weight and look… he has a bit of colour on his face!

Thank you again wonderful Shriners for everything you did for Elias and for the rest of our family too. You guys are simply amazing and we are really looking forward to heading back down to Portland soon for a checkup in the next little while.

Here's a couple of pics of both my boys: Shawn & Elias. They've been spending quite a bit of time together lately as Shawn has been staying up here in CR with us. Check out Elias' super straight shoulders in the gaming pic. :-)

[kennedy]

Elisa congrads on your son being 3 months postop

[Elisa]

Thanks Kara. Can't believe it's been three months already. Time has gone by SO fast and before we know it, he will be heading to high school this September, much taller and pain free. O_o

Elisa congrads on your son being 3 months postop