Much To Consider

We met with Dr. Todd on Wednesday. What I was hoping to hear is that he agrees with the surgery, the g-tube placement, and that he is prepared to do the surgery when she needs it. Only part of that was the case.

Dr. Todd definitely agreed with the G-tube and the surgery, but he explained that he would not operate. Dr. Lehman is the spine specialist, and that would be his #1 recommendation for the surgeon. However, he is not confident in what Bethesda has to offer. There is only 1 pediatric ICU bed for surgical patients, and if another patient needs it, they'll bump Olivia from the schedule and/or have to transfer her to the ward earlier than she needs.

He explained that this is a MAJOR surgery. One with serious risks and needs. The level of care she will need in the PICU may not be available at WRNMMCB right now. Maybe not in the next 6 months. He gave his honest opinion to consider either DC Children's or Johns Hopkins. They see many patients who require complex care, and would definitely be able to provide her the care needed.

Post-operatively, even if the surgery goes without a hitch, "patients like Olivia" have a significant risk of developing Pancreatitis. I don't know what makes it more likely -- if it's her stature, the type of surgery, or any of a dozen other characteristics Olivia has. The doctor said this is a serious concern, as it can be life-threatening. We need to understand that it is more than the "routine possible risks". That is why good care in the PICU is so important. They will monitor the lab work on a daily basis and determine if there is cause to be concerned. If they determine that treatment needs to occur, it will happen quickly.

We need to decide which way we want to go so that we can get a new referral to the surgeon. Dave and I haven't really had a chance to talk about it, as he just got back into town last night. There is much to consider, without much guidance. Dr. Todd did recommend one of the surgeons at Johns Hopkins. But he didn't know too much about Dr. Tis' scoliosis experience. We have a friend whose daughter had her scoliosis surgery done at Children's and highly recommended her surgeon. That's about all we have to go on.

I will honestly say, I am overwhelmed at the change in events. If I had a week to do nothing but process everything, I don't know if I could get my mind wrapped around it all. There is much to consider.