United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

First I wanted to thank everyone for their replies and their support. We appreciate it so much.

We spent a lot of time over the weekend deciding whether or not Andrew will have the Mod Quad surgery. We prayed about it a lot and our decision was to go ahead with the surgery. We both felt good about the decision when we made it. We wished we could feel good about not having the surgery done, but we feel like it will be the best for Andrew to give him a chance to have more movement.

I just wanted to say that this decision is so personal and I think that each person can know deep inside themselves what is best for their family and their child. Every case is so different.

We have scheduled surgery for the end of April. We still have many questions and are nervous of course, but we have a little while to get everything figured out.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Connie

Hi, Connie. I think that's great that you've come to a decision. I know personally how stressful it is to be undecided and regardless of the decision, it is a relief of some of that stress to have a resolve. I agree with your thoughts on surgery being a personal decision. It's good that you and your husband both feel good about it too. I imagine that might not always be the case and really emphasize with people in that position. My husband and I have always agreed as well on Nicole's treatments. Ask any ?s you have. There are a lot of people here who have gone through this surgery with their children, inlcuding us. If you'd like, email me anytime as well. -Tina

It took a long time for us to decide and to get insurance approval but once decision was made everything went smoothly. It's hard to think of your little one being operated on. Michaela is 5 days post mod Quad. One thing besides this website that helped me alot was the Texas children's Hospital website, www.txchildrens.org, where you'll find maps and alot of information. Also, they have child life specialists at the hospital that can give you and your child a tour of the hospital an explain everything thats going to happen step by step. This helped our daughter so much. When we went for surgery she knew right where she was going and what was going to happen.If you need any info just ask. LeeAnne

it took a LONG time for us to decide for each of Maia's surgeries too -and it seems like that task gets harder and harder...

Whatever decision you make - whether it be for or against - you should feel at ease with it. Always trust your gut. And if you decide yes and then get this grinding feeling that something is not right - trust that too and keep on asking questions....

when I posted the last time you asked the question, I posted back an answer filled with more questions.... I honestly didn't want to sway you for it or against it - just wanted you to make sure you were asking questions about other aspects, too. Just felt the need to clarify that.

anyway,
let us know when it is and we will pray during that time,
francine

Making the decision is one of the hardest. Either way you decided we were all keeping you in our prayers and will continue to do so.

Each time we have to make that decision we agonize over the decision and watch katie to see and ask many many questions of all on the board as well as the drs. And then we pray on it.

I guess what I am trying to say is we understand and you will always find a shoulder here, whether it is with or without surgery!

Best of luck with the surgery and feel free to ask those questions. Sometimes the answers help solidify your decison either way.