There is a purpose

Olivia, now age 11, has seen many many doctors. We still have two new doctors to see since we've moved to Maryland. Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 was Olivia's appointment with her new Orthopedic Doctor, Dr. Todd @ Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WR). There was a brief question & answer by the physican's assistant, and then x-rays, and then we met Dr. Todd. My first impression is that Dr. Todd is very professional, compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced. He has attended a lot of training recently on Cerebral Palsy.

He began to tell me (and Olivia) that the x-rays revealed some mild scoliosis, which he will follow, but not treat at this time. However, there were significant problems with Olivia's hips. He recommends a two-part surgery soon. The surgery is common for patients w/ CP, and he said that Olivia is very lucky to be small, because it bought her a lot of time. Many children have already had surgery by this stage in their development.

I am supposed to call to schedule the first surgery tomorrow. I will post at some point after that. As the surgery gets closer, I will share the details, as I understand them. Please feel free to ask any question you can think of, and I will ask the doctor. I am certain I will not think of all of them. Also, I will post the answers to questions that I have, and some information from a book the dr. recommended: "Cerebral Palsy: A Guide to Caregiving" by Freeman Miller. I borrowed the new edition from the library. I am thankful it was available.

I will share this scripture for now:

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


Please pray for Olivia. She is not able to communicate what she thinks of all of this. I know God knows her, and will hold her in His hand.