So here we are with some major events about to occur. Ryan and I headed to Philadelphia Shriner's Hospital in August to consult with Dr Van Bosse and Dr Kozin. These two doctors came highly recommended from people on the AMC support website. SInce we have had a difficult time with our local orthopedist, we were really hoping to find a team that was interested in treating Ryan. Unfortunately, that team is on the east coast!
Here's the plan.....from Oct 10th-Oct 30th, Ryan and I will be in Philadelphia, staying at the Ronald McDonald House. For this trip, Ryan will undergo serial casting (again) for both of his feet. The goal is to get the feet flatter and well as gain some range in his ankles. We will be sent home in casts for a few weeks, once the serial casting ends.
Then, we will return to Philadelphia for his surgery on November 18th. The surgery is called bilateral femoral reorientation osteotomies. This will put his legs in a better position in relation of the femoral head to the hip socket. He will be in a petrie cast (you can google that) until Christmas-time, when we will once again return to Philadelphia to remove the casts and pick up his new AFO's (ankle-foot orthotics). Then, hopefully we will be done with surgeries for a bit and begin a rigorous physical therapy schedule.
We are excited to see how the serial casting and surgery change Ryan's prognosis and we obviously hope to see him stand on his own two feet unsupported sometime in 2011. We have to trust we are making the right decisions in regards to his treatment, and after traveling to Seattle, Albuquerque, Philly and of course our local Stanford Hospitals, at least we know we have heard the opinions of some brilliant minds, even if the right fit didn't happen until Philly.
Thank you all for your well wishes and we hope you keep Ryan in your thoughts over these next few months. We are all a little stressed and worried and it's going to be tough for this family of ours, but we always seem to find new strength even at times when we feel there's nothing left. We appreciate your support and love - that makes all the difference in the world!
love,
K
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1 comment:
Wow! That is really exciting news! I guess the stressful part is how you are going to spend so much time in Philly and away from The Big Kids, and how Derek can manage them, etc. And I guess another bright spot is that the weather shouldn't be too terrible in Philly while you're there (at least it wasn't dead of winter or middle of summer!). I know you are worried about a little boy undergoing surgery, but I'm also certain that the stats speak for themselves.
Also, I hope you never second guessed yourself regarding this. Of course it's the right thing to do, and it sounds like a wonderful opportunity. The next few months will pass in the blink of an eye. Hope to see Ryan standing up and getting around soon! (Sheela)
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