Meeting with Dr. Nath on Dec. 17th

[Shelly]

We are meeting with Dr. Nath so he can look at Julia and tell us when he wants us to come to Texas for surgery. I think I'm more afraid of flying, then I am meeting Dr. Nath, knowing her surgery is around the corner. She really hasn't improved on anything with her right arm. Her wrist and hand are still the only thing that move really.When you her that it's c5,c6 and c7, it just sounds like it's too much. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's only scar tissue, that's wishful thinking I guess.

[Dani B]

Hi Shelly,

Are you talking about primary surgery?
When is Julia scheduled?

My son Jason (4 months) is scheduled on 3/2. He is still making really nice progress with his shoulder and bicep, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will not require the primary surgery.

Good luck to you and your little girl!!!

[Francine_Litz]

Shelly - we'll be there - our appointment is at 12:30 pm but I'm sure we will be there a bit earlier...

when is your appointment?

Also Shelly - did you see this?
http://www.injurednewborn.com/bpi.html
this is a great opportunity for new parents to learn so much about bpi - Dr. Nath gives a great lecture and has phenominal slides and videos...I hope you consider coming and also sending your therapist and pediatrician to it.

see you WEdnesday!
-francine

[Dean-na]

Francine, how is Maia doing? Is Maia having another surgery or just going out there for a check up? I have to fly in on 1/4 to see the adult doctor on 1/5 that hopefully will perform the osteotomy on me.

[Francine_Litz]

well deanna.... I already know that her acromion and clavicle are overgrown - so what we do about it - well it's in the "discovery" stage (lol) - it may be a quick decision and into the O.R. fast so that summer can be clear for fun - who knows..I'm open to learning more and understanding the problem better. This is the first time I'm honestly not too anxious about this. This makes so much logical sense and although I have always gone on doing things for her quality of life and not function - I think that maybe this time I have an understanding that function actually does translate into quality of life. Know what I mean?

-francine

[admin]

My 9 month old had scar tissue the size of a golfball taken off his nerve. He has the same injured nerves as your daughter. I take it this is her first surgery? My son took it well with little pain. His teething was worse. His scar looks nice and smoothe now. I wish you luck.

[Dean-na]

Francine, yes I know what you mean. Decisions are hard for me to make about my own health. I know that is even more difficult for you to make it for your child. Function does play a big role in quality of life. My acromion is overgrown too, but Dr Nath decided to leave mine alone. I guess because of my age. Your a great mom. You have helped Maia so much. I know now why God gives certain people these wonderful children. My mom was & still is the best ever!!

[Rachel]

We'll be there. Hope to meet you on Wednesday!

[JessicasMom]

We saw Dr. Nath on the 17th and he confirmed NO PRIMARY SURGERY for Jessica! We were so thrilled!
On the other hand, he said there is a greater than 80% chance she'll need secondary surgery. I was under the impression that if there was hand to mouth at 3 months, that there was an excellent chance for a full recovery without any surgery. He explained that this happens when the recovery is complete at 3 months and there is no lasting deficits or weaknesses so that a doctor could not tell the difference between the affected and unaffected arms.

Although Jessica has been getting her hand to mouth for a couple of weeks now, and can do so in a completely upright position and she can even get her hand completely over her head when lying flat, her arm is definitely still weak and she can't supinate.

I was definitely not prepared for him to tell me she will most likely need secondary surgery, but I am absolutely thrilled that she does not need primary. At least I will have another 9 months to pray and prepare for the idea of secondary surgery.

Michelle

[Clint]

Michelle,

Dr. Nath is usually very direct like that. I remember him stopping by our room the day after the primary surgery. All he said was, “the surgery went well but she is tight and will need the Mod Quad.” We were completely shocked! We saw him again at a picnic a few months after the primary. Within ten seconds of watching her video he said she needed the MQ. Again, Crushed!

It turned out that they MQ really increased Hannah’s range of motion. From what I understand, the MQ is the most often performed surgery. Part of that is the delay in treatment (many adults have this procedure) but part of it is those children that didn’t need the primary but still ended up with muscle imbalances that limited range of motion. If there are muscle imbalances or contractures now, they will only get worse. Therapy (including alternative therapies) can only do so much.

Good Luck.

Clint