Reports From the Doctor

Olivia's visit with Dr. Todd went very well. He said that she is healing nicely, and is pleased with her progress. He reiterated that bone surgeries take a lot out of kids, so we should not be discouraged that she isn't yet 100%. We are supposed to do our best to have her bear weight, as this will help her legs strengthen. He recommended talking to the neurologist about her legs cramping and the tremors. It may be that she is weak, but it might be something related to the nerves. He also recommended Botox for her thumbs, hamstrings, and adductors, in that order. Because she weighs so little there's only so much they can use and they have to prioritize where she gets it.

I asked him about the next visit -- what should we prepare for? He said that we'll turn our focus back to the scoliosis. There was a 26-28 degree curvature last December, and he wants to do another x-ray to see if it has progressed. I asked when he looks for before recommending surgery, and he told me that if her spine has a 50 degree curvature, that cannot be corrected by changing position, then he would do it. We will more than likely talk about a brace of some kind, but I don't know if that is truly an option.

One of the possible complications of having a curved spine is the internal cavity, created by the ribs, is compromised and can create pressure on the internal organs, i.e. heart, lungs, etc. That surgery would be much harder on Olivia, with a much longer recovery. I don't think we'll opt for that until he deems it necessary. Her next visit is September 23.

She was scheduled to see the Neurologist on the 30th, but we went to the White House for a tour on the 29th and didn't get back to Kelly's until late. Olivia was exhausted and not able to go to sleep. She was sick several times, and not able to sleep. I canceled the appointment and have not yet rescheduled.

Thankfully Olivia has been sleeping very well lately. She doesn't necessarily need to take a nap, but she rests during the day. Also she doesn't seem to be having any pain. She laughs and giggles at random things, wants to interact with more, both of which were minimal because of her pain.
All in all she's making great progress! They say, "Time heals all wounds," but I am sure time is simply a tool God uses to make miracles last a little longer.