Emerson's Scoliosis Journey

I know many are waiting to hear how Emerson's appointment went today.  We unfortunately were informed that Dr. Luhmann will not be practicing at Shriners Childrens after the first of the year. Em cried. Dr. Luhmann cried. He has saved her a surgery date of December 7th. That would put the first surgery and halo attachment starting the end of October.  Prayer requests: A solution to whatever seems to be going on at Shriners A healthy fall so halo can start smoothly A successful plan  Results that maximize height, and room for heart and lungs, level out hips and shoulders and minimize pain Our family as we prepare for this treatment 

It's been a minute. Em has been living life and scoliosis has been on the back burner. Her last surgery was September of 2022. Three and a half years is the longest she has ever gone without a surgery and it has been a blessing! We knew the stretch was coming to an end. At her recent appointment, we were told that the big surgery is coming along with another halo stay. The growth guidance Shilla rods are not guiding anymore. Her spine is doing it's own thing and she is in prime time for growth. The trick to success is timing the surgery right at the end of the most growth because after the surgery those parts of the spine will not grow anymore however if too much crooked growth happens, the lungs and heart get squished and the body starts to compensate for the curve. For examples she is having quite a bit of asthma issues due to her lung space right now as well as some leg length discrepancies because of the effects the spine rotation has on her hips.  So it is time. When we go...