MRI Update

MRI was yesterday...Kalyn has been such a chronic patient that the hospital is like a second home for her. But yesterday was different. For the first time, I saw fear in her eyes when they were taking her for the MRI. That was when I realized that Jeff and I should take more time to better prepare her for what is to come. Kalyn has a hard time grasping everything because of her mental delays but normally we can explain things in a way that she will understand. Or at least partly understand. I had done that prior to the MRI-but I think that she has finally reached an age where she needs more of an explanation that we as parents are used to giving her.

Rest assured that I took the time to explain everything yesterday so that her fear would be dissolved. And she did very well. She was wheeled into the MRI room with her chin high and the bravest little expression on her face. God bless that child for getting all of us through this!

Recovery was quicker that usual as she was only given gas to sedate her. But this also made her more coherent. Which led to fear. She asked me to hold her in the PACU. When I picked up all 74 pounds of that child she wrapped her arms around my neck tighter than she ever has and buried her face in my neck and squeezed. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. Thankfully she came around fully in about 20 minutes. All in all the day was a success.

I heard from Dr. Birknes today. He has spoken with Kalyn's dentist who agreed to do as much of her dental work as possible prior to surgery so that her infection risk is considerably reduced. The catch is that he has to keep her neck still. This means that he will not be able to finish the surgery and she will need more surgery later down the road once her spine is stable. Still, this is very good news.

He also spoke with a neurosurgeon at UVA who can do the alternate procedure should her spine not realign with traction. His name is Dr. Shaffrey, rest assured I will be researching him tonight. Dr. Birknes would like for us to meet with Dr. Shaffrey for a second opinion. He suggested that because of the fact that this is a high risk surgery then a second opinion is warranted. Also, this will allow us to feel more comfortable with the surgery because we will know the person who would complete the back-up plan should it become necessary. We should know by Monday when that appointment will be. All of these developments mean that the surgery will be after Jeff is scheduled to get home from San Diego. This is such a blessing and a relief for me--and for Jeff as well.

I will continue to update everyone. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.

-Kristi