Friday, July 15, 2011

Tough Week



My sweet little 4 year old granddaughter is going through something no little girl should have to go through.  Since birth she has battled scoliosis and we've all hoped and prayed that surgery wouldn't have to happen for years, but it came to a point where the doctors said it had to be now. The curve in her spine had progressed to a point where it was beginning to cause other problems.On Wednesday she had surgery to place rods alongside her spine and straighten it.  It was an early morning for everyone and a nail-biting nervous wait for all of us, but she came through the 4.5 hr. surgery fine. The pediatric orthopedic surgeon was wonderful and he said the surgery went just as it should - no unforeseen problems. 

After they moved her to the PICU unit we got to go in 2 at a time to see her.  She had come out of the anesthesia fine, and before they sedated her again she was in pain and a little agitated and kept saying, "Mama, I don't want this".  It was soooo hard to see a little one in this situation who doesn't understand what's going on.  Heart breaking.  In a little while they got her sedated and calmed down.

This was day one after they got her pain regulated and she went to sleep.



We left late that afternoon to come home and brought Bethany with us so that my son and DIL could stay at the hospital as much as needed and not have to worry about her.  Since then we have been in contact by email and phone, but really wish I could be there too. 

She was kept sedated until today.  Yesterday they measured her for her brace and today Jon said they put the brace on and stood her up.  They have taken out some of the tubes and possibly will move her to a regular room as soon as they have one.  She has such a long journey ahead of her.  Please pray for her and for Jon & Janet for patience and guidance.  She is a headstrong little thing and isn't going to like that brace, but she has to wear it for awhile.  I know this is all for the best - but will be so glad when it is behind her and she is comfortable and pain free again.

We hope to see her like this again soon.

3 comments:

Candyce said...

Diane, it is so difficult to see dear little ones going through so much! And when it is your precious grandaughter even harder. It is so nice you can help your son and daughter by having Bethany and I am sure it helps Bethany too. She must have so many nice memories with you!

Thinking of you and your dear family....Candyce

Diane said...

Thanks so much Candy. I hope your family is doing well. Miss talking to you -we've got to do better!

Robin said...

I'm so sorry to hear she had to go through this. The pre-teen who lived near us and fed my cats when I was out of town has the same thing. She constantly wears the hard-shelled brace in all kinds of cool designs. She would be a good person to talk with Bethany if needed. Grace is such a great girl and doesn't let anything stop her. Good luck to Bethany!