My Visit to Scottish Rite

Yesterday was the big day for my parents to meet with the orthopedic staff and for my helmet to be fitted.

First, the really good news!
Dr. Devito, Orthopedic Specialist, talked with my mom and dad about the scoliosis. He feels that the scoliosis is what they call, "infantile", which is different than congenital. It is also, less serious! How happy we were to hear that news from him. He said he didn't feel that the curve would need to be corrected with surgery, but with a night time back brace. They did another x-ray on my spine and it showed that the curve had increased since my last visit on 12/12/05. This did concern Dr. Devito, therefore, he wants Dr. Stevenson to move forward with surgery for the Tethering of My Spinal Cord. This will relieve the pressure that the spine is receiving and usually helps the curve to stay the same and often times, decrease!

We should have our appointment scheduled with the nuerosurgeon, Dr. Stevenson, by Monday. I imagine we will be looking at surgery to be really soon, like in January...simply because my spine continues to curve more with each visit.

Best News of All! Dr. Devito said he did not see any reason why I should have any problems with walking! That was the best news for my parents yet...I think they can handle my upcoming surgery better than the idea of me not being able to walk. Besides, I have two bigger brothers to keep up with that are anxious to have me play in their room...and mom keeps saying something to me about First Position, Second Position, Passe....

My Helmet
Mom and Dad pick up my helmet in two weeks. I will have to wear it for 23 hours a day for three months. They put me on this really neat machine that scanned my head with a laser light, to get the curves of my head. There were all sorts of designs to choose from, but mom and dad got solid white so that we can have a helmet decorating party! I think it will be nice to have my name put on my helmet. We did see other babies with helmets and they looked so cute. It is hard on the outside, but softer on the inside. I will have to go back to Scottish Rite at Fayette Hospital every two weeks to be checked and for any adjustments to be made to the helmet.

One Big Question for us!
What happens to me wearing the helmet when I am going to have surgery on my spinal cord? We will find that out when we talk to Dr. Stevenson. Not too sure if both can be done at the same time. We will have to keep you posted on my new attire as we go along!

Thank you for your Prayers!
Even though surgery is not the greatest option and we aren't looking forward to it, we did get better news than we thought we'd get. So, we stay positive and my mommy and daddy are hugging me, encouraging me, and praying with me everyday. See how much all of your prayers are helping? Your prayers help give my parents strength and help me get better.

We love all of you so much!

Maggi