Today we traveled to St. Louis to meet with Dr. Luhmann. Emerson's x-ray is measuring over 90 degrees and he doesn't feel casting or bracing are the best treatment at this time. This means it is time for her first surgery. We knew this was coming but now that it is here it kinda hits you hard.
The good news is he doesn't want to fuse anything yet. Instead he wants to give her magec (magnetic) rods. He is concerned about her lungs and ribs at this time. These rods will allow her to keep growing, relieve some of the pressure on her lungs and ribs and be less invasive than typical rods.
He is a leading doctor in this procedure and has treated over 50 kids with these rods. My understanding is they were only approved for use in the US in 2014.
Here is a link to his blog that explains more.
Her surgery will be October 16. She will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 nights, be at home for 2 weeks, and can gradually start back at daycare and school for partial days after that.
The surgery will consist of a cut at the top and bottom of her back. He will place hooks on her spine and ribs then run the rods through. Every 3 months we will go back and he will use a magnet device to stretch the rods. He compared it to working like a jack. The intial improvement will hopefully be 50 percent and will then continue after that.
One downfall is that he will have to use the smaller rods available because she is so tiny. He does however think that will lasts for at least 2 years.
After the surgery she will not wear a brace and he said to let her be a kid and be involved in anything she wants with the exception of dance or tumbling.
Emerson knows that she will have surgery, Dr. Luhmann will put a metal magic stick on her back to make it better, and she won't have to wear a brace or cast anymore.
We still feel very blessed to have been guided to Dr. Luhmann. Please pray for him as he prepares to work on our sweet girl and for us as we prepare mentally and physically for her surgery. We appreciate all the prayers and support.
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