Appt in Boston...update on Ella
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 9:28 pm
So we made it safe and sound in Boston this morning. The roads were just fine for traveling. Boston had so much snow, they were still shoveling sidewalks. Cars were plowed in everywhere...it looked so WHITE! Anyway, here is our update:
Dr Waters said that Ella has improved since her last visit! He said some of her movements are so good, but others are not. He said it was up to us regarding her scheduled surgery in Jan. He said we would do it then or wait another 6-12 months b/c he thinks we will see more improvement. After talking about the surgery and getting some details I decided we would go ahead with surgery in Jan b/c in the next 6-12 months she is likely to have it anyway even after improving a little more. Dr Waters said he would like to do it sooner than later anyway b/c of her shoudler joint developement. They will transfer the lat dorsi (?) to somewhere near her scapula. (I think I have it right) and then some work on the shoulder joint...I am not good enough to explain that one =)
To make a long story short: We are having this secondary surgery on Jan 22 in Boston with Waters and Ella will be in a cast for 5 weeks. He said there is usually no splint afterward for this surgery. I met a wonderful therapist there also who showed us some great strengthening exercises for her problem areas since we are having trouble locating a good pediatric therapist who is familiar with brachial plexus injuries. She and I will keep in touch even when I do find a therapist locally. This was one of our better appointments in Boston and thankfully we made it even after the snowstorm. Now I feel better about doing the surgery and I am looking forward to getting it over with. I think that's all for now! Thanks for all of your thoughts.
~Krista~
Dr Waters said that Ella has improved since her last visit! He said some of her movements are so good, but others are not. He said it was up to us regarding her scheduled surgery in Jan. He said we would do it then or wait another 6-12 months b/c he thinks we will see more improvement. After talking about the surgery and getting some details I decided we would go ahead with surgery in Jan b/c in the next 6-12 months she is likely to have it anyway even after improving a little more. Dr Waters said he would like to do it sooner than later anyway b/c of her shoudler joint developement. They will transfer the lat dorsi (?) to somewhere near her scapula. (I think I have it right) and then some work on the shoulder joint...I am not good enough to explain that one =)
To make a long story short: We are having this secondary surgery on Jan 22 in Boston with Waters and Ella will be in a cast for 5 weeks. He said there is usually no splint afterward for this surgery. I met a wonderful therapist there also who showed us some great strengthening exercises for her problem areas since we are having trouble locating a good pediatric therapist who is familiar with brachial plexus injuries. She and I will keep in touch even when I do find a therapist locally. This was one of our better appointments in Boston and thankfully we made it even after the snowstorm. Now I feel better about doing the surgery and I am looking forward to getting it over with. I think that's all for now! Thanks for all of your thoughts.
~Krista~