Well, we all went back out of town this past weekend, again. Luckly, this was our last trip for a while. The kids did not do as well in the car ride this time, but who can blame them after being back in the car again right after our spring break adventure.
Natalie had both Scottish Rite and Children's Medical Center doctor appointments on Friday. I know it made for a long day, but I thought this would be better than having to come back in a few weeks.
We started out at 9:30am at Scottish Rite. I know that God says not to worry, but I still have a hard time as a mother. I was terrifed her curve in her spine would be worse. The last thing I want my baby girl to have to go through after 3 open heart surgeries and at least one more in her future is a spinal fusion. At at an early age, you may even have to re-do the spinal surgery if they out grow it. Plus, we had to get Natalie to stand on her on for the xray, which I was not sure how that would go with a 20 month old.
Well, God eased all my fears and told me once again to trust in Him. Natalie did awesome with her xray, even after having to wait 30 minutes in the waiting room. She did cry, but did really good and we got the two xrays we needed.
We then went to meet the nurse, nurse practioner and the doctor. Natalie has 10 ribs on her left side and 12 on her right. She also has two hemivertebrae or vertebrae that is not completely developed on both sides, on the right side. The two heimvertebrae is causing her to have 30 degree curve in her spine. Fourteen months ago, she was measuring a 28 degree curve, but this was also lying down so it was not 100% accurate. Dr. Richards, says this is good, because it really did not change at all.
I have said before, Natalie is not a candidate for brace if ever needed. If her curve gets worse, the only option is a spinal fusion. Our goal or prayer is that first, the curve stays the same throughout her entire life, but if it does get worse, then to wait until at least age 10 years old. Most likely, Natalie will be pretty close to her height be then and will only need one spinal fusion. By me saying one, I mean they will only need to put the rods in once, but will still be able to lengthen them, but not have to replace them ever. If a child has a spinal fusion to early in life, they will out grow the rods and then, the rods will have to be replaced.
Natalie did awesome at Scottish Rite through all of this. Meanwhile, Larry took Carter outside to play on the playground until the doctor came in. We thought it was best to not keep two kids cooped up in a waiting room.
After Scottish Rite, we decided to head on over to Children's for Natalie's next appointment. We we early, so we just ate lunch there; they really do have good food.
Dr. Zellers was orginally not having clinic on Friday, but did us a favor and saw us, since we were in town...Thank you so much!
Dr. Zellers said Natalie looked great! We even had our first non-sedated echo and she did amazing; the other event I was terrifed of. I really did not want another sedated echo, because last time she threw up and lets just say it was aweful. I had her Minnie Mouse video and she just layed there and watched the video like a big girl. I love that little girl!
Natalie's echo looked great! We go back in 6 months for another check up. We did visit about her next surgery. Unless, Natalie's heart tells us otherwise, we are looking at next summer. They normally do not like to do surgery in the winter unless they have to, because of flu and rsv season and they like the child to be able to walk really good, because it helps the blood flow after surgery.
Again, Larry took Carter to see the trains and play while Natalie was having the echo. I can't image Natalie sitting still or Carter while they are in the room together; what a nightmare.
I must say, our day was full of doctors and hospitals and both kids did amazing! I am so proud of both my children, because no one wants to do that all day, especially a 4 year old and a 20 month old. Not to worry, they were both rewarded the next day...A Day Out with Thomas the Train! I will post about this in a few days with pictures, so check back.
Thanks again to all the wonderful staff at both Scottish Rite and Children's for two wonderful check ups and for all the continous prayers for Natalie and her health.
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