Today's appointments

Today's appointment with the orthopedic doctor went well. Our local ortho (Dr. White) told me that Jack's St. Louis ortho was in Phoenix last week with the group of orthopedic docs from St. Louis Children's who were here to put on some continuing education presentation. Dr. White attended the presentation and talked to Jack's St. Louis ortho - he told him not to worry - that Jack was in good hands here in Phoenix. Dr. White said the St. Louis ortho just laughed (not sure what to make of that???) My dilemma, however, is that the St. Louis ortho says we can't flex Jack's back -- which we would do if we put him in the sling. Dr. White says we are 6 months out and it's okay to resume "normal" activity and it's okay to use the sling. On one hand, I have the ultra-conservative St. Louis surgeon and, on the other hand, I have the "not-a-care-in-the-world" Phoenix surgeon. It is so frustrating that I can't ever get two doctors on the same page. I guess it's my job to find the appropriate middle ground. The other thing is that I asked Dr. White what Jack's curve is post-surgery -- he measured it and got 40 degrees. The St. Louis ortho told me 52 degrees. How can there be such a difference in their measurements?! Who is right? Does it really matter?

The meeting with the school district was fine, for the most part. Jack has a good team, although I think some of the therapists are a bit defensive. PT is still on hold (Karen - I'll be in touch). I find it a bit ridiculous that they can't understand why Jack is having a difficult time doing all the things he was doing pre-surgery. Here are the facts, figure it out .... Jack was flat on his back in bed for 4 solid months. Presently, he is only out of bed 1-2 hours a day. I don't know about you, but I'm thinking the 1 or 2 hours he is sitting in his chair, it is taking a LOT of energy just to adjust to sitting. You can't expect him to jump right back into his normal activity when his head is probably spinning the majority of the time he is up in his chair. They revised his goals and basically set goals appropriate for a 2 year old and, quite frankly, I don't really give a s#%t! Jack is smarter than anyone will ever give him credit for. I know that, and that is all that really matters.

Today is over and, as they say ... tomorrow is another day! Onward we march.

Thanks for checking in.