Photo by our dear friend Amaris (Amarisphoto.com)
Tomorrow is the “big day” for Natalie. I’ll be posting
updates as she hits specific milestones or has clear needs coming up in recovery.
This way everyone can know precisely what is going on and will know how to
focus prayer, thoughts, and encouragement. So I’ll start tonight with a lengthier
post about what she has coming up tomorrow and we’ll go from there!
Her procedure is scheduled for 2:00PM. We’ll arrive at UNC
around 12:30 and wait as her operating team preps for all of the intricacies of
the surgery. There is a chance they’ll move the time but we’ll update if
needed. The procedure will happen in 3 stages. The stages are:
1) Removing the existing mobile part of the growth rod-
This is the biggest part of the rod that runs the length of her back. It’s the
part on her back that most people notice protruding from the top. That large “hump”
at the top is actually a metal rod and not her back at all. There will be an
entry point at the top of her back for its removal.
Pray that Dr. Stone and his team will work swiftly but
precisely to get all of this hardware out without introducing any bacteria,
virus, etc. This area in the past has been prone to infection because of the
positioning of the incisions. Pray that infections, etc. can be avoided.
2) Removing the stationary hardware- This is the
tricky part. The stationary hardware is what is actually connected to her spine
and surrounding areas. As you can imagine there are plenty of areas in which
the surgeon will need to have unimaginable steadiness to make sure he doesn’t
damage anything while removing these parts.
Pray that the team can remove all of the hardware (screws,
wire, etc.) safely without damaging any nerves or discs or bones. There will be
an access point at the top and bottom of her back to remove these components.
3) Positioning and connecting her Halo- While still under
the general anesthesia the team will affix 8 screws around her head into her
skull. They are tight and will obviously be quite an adjustment for Natalie.
She knows that it is screwed in but does not fully know what all this entails.
Pray that Natalie will understand that the pain associated
with the halo will subside as she recovers and pray that she will understand and
accept that she has to wear this device for the duration of her time at the
hospital and potentially after she is released.
Natalie is a funny but ornery patient. During Pre-Op she is given a
medication that makes her very “happy”. Typically she spends this time laughing
at us, pointing at things that aren’t actually there, and talking to anyone
that happens to walk by her room. She becomes “Social Natalie” and has a great
time. However, in Post-Op, she ALWAYS wakes up angry and tries to get out of
bed. Every. Single. Time. Although it’s pretty comical to see her get riled up
it’s very important that she stays as calm as possible after the surgery. So if
you will, please pray that her stubbornness will hold off until she at least
gets to her room. Her strong will serves her well most of the time but tomorrow
she’ll need to remain peaceful and still.
I think that about sums up tomorrow’s activities. It will take
anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to get everything done in surgery but we will give
an update as soon as possible after she wakes up. So be on the lookout!
We've gone through surgeries with Natalie but nothing of this magnitude. This is new for us so we appreciate you all coming along with us. We are so thankful for everyone on this journey. Joanna and
I truly can’t articulate how much it means. We love you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment