X-Rays Pre and Post Veptr

These x-rays show somewhat the difference that the veptr is already providing. At the very least, you can see the two titanium rods directly screwed or bolted to her spine and ribs, which makes just now think, Maria better take the x-ray with her upon checking in at the airport next month going to Boston.

Anyway, you can follow the spine in both and see a contrast.

At this point, Emily is suffering a lot of pain in her right arm due to the surgeons having to literally remove her scapula to insert the outer brace. She's prescribed pain medicine every 4 hours. Otherwise, she's walking around, getting in and out of chairs...slowly.

It is important to report that these braces have added a full inch to her height. She's now at 35 1/2". This still puts her at about 3-4 inches under average height for her age.

Day 5 @ Scottish Rite

We're relieved to report that the surgery went as hoped for and there were no complications other than some work done on her shoulder that we were unaware was going to take place, apparently done in order for them to have access to the upper rib section.

We were warned that there could be trauma to the lungs during this ordeal, but again, there wasn't, thankfully.

As of today, all the tubes have been removed, one being through her chest, which I'm thinking to be glad I never got to see. Emily is in much better spirits, but without fail, seeking sympathy wherever it's to be had. :)

According to the surgeon, there will be one more evaluation tomorrow morning and they suspect that she will be released shortly after.

You'll probably be able to determine the before and after surgery pics to the left.

Dual Veptrs are in Place

After a long day of checking in on Monday, x-rays, photos, blood taken 3 times, visits with the anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, Emily and Maria Marcela finally got settled in their room for the night.

The next morning, Tuesday, Emily went into surgery around 9:30 and thus began the wait. After about 5 hours, we got the news that the surgery went as well as could be expected with no complications. I say that because, earlier that morning, we were told that there could be a possibility of disturbing the lungs and thus creating a new problem. But thankfully no.

As of last night, Emily was mainly feeling discomfort from the breathing tubes in there just for precaution and surprisingly, she wasn't even agitated about her back.

I'm hoping to hear that last night was a restful night and to start hearing confirmation of them coming home this Friday.

The Day We've Been Waiting For...with trepidation.

Well, we sure would appreciate everyone's interceding prayers for Emily and the family this week. I will be taking Emily and Maria Marcela to the Children's Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas today for the pre operation procedures which will include check-in, scans/x-rays, etc. to prove her readiness for the surgery tomorrow.

Maria Marcela will be staying with Emily this whole week which we're being told to expect a release by Friday.

Andrew is in school, while I'm working and taking a training class, among other things.

For details on Emily's surgery, you can peruse a previous post.

http://emilymeisnyder.blogspot.com/2009/03/plans-for-next-surgery.html