Appt in Boston...update on Ella

[admin]

So we made it safe and sound in Boston this morning. The roads were just fine for traveling. Boston had so much snow, they were still shoveling sidewalks. Cars were plowed in everywhere...it looked so WHITE! Anyway, here is our update:
Dr Waters said that Ella has improved since her last visit! He said some of her movements are so good, but others are not. He said it was up to us regarding her scheduled surgery in Jan. He said we would do it then or wait another 6-12 months b/c he thinks we will see more improvement. After talking about the surgery and getting some details I decided we would go ahead with surgery in Jan b/c in the next 6-12 months she is likely to have it anyway even after improving a little more. Dr Waters said he would like to do it sooner than later anyway b/c of her shoudler joint developement. They will transfer the lat dorsi (?) to somewhere near her scapula. (I think I have it right) and then some work on the shoulder joint...I am not good enough to explain that one =)
To make a long story short: We are having this secondary surgery on Jan 22 in Boston with Waters and Ella will be in a cast for 5 weeks. He said there is usually no splint afterward for this surgery. I met a wonderful therapist there also who showed us some great strengthening exercises for her problem areas since we are having trouble locating a good pediatric therapist who is familiar with brachial plexus injuries. She and I will keep in touch even when I do find a therapist locally. This was one of our better appointments in Boston and thankfully we made it even after the snowstorm. Now I feel better about doing the surgery and I am looking forward to getting it over with. I think that's all for now! Thanks for all of your thoughts.
~Krista~

[Melissa]

Glad to hear you had a good appt. and did not have to reschedule because of the storm. Good luck and don't forget to email me with any questions when the day gets closer. Melissa

[Melissa_Allison]

Krista, I am glad that your appt. with Dr. waters went well. Yes, we did get snowed in over here too. I live about 1 1/2 hrs. south of Boston. Anyway maybe Allison and I could go visit Ella after surgery.

Best of Luck!!!

Melissa & Allison

[admin]

Hi Melissa:

That would be so cool for you guys to visit us at the hospital! I will talk to you before then anyway.

Thanks =)

~Krista~

[admin]

Krista,
Glad your trip went well and that Ella has improved! While I'm sorry to hear that Ella will have to have surgery, I know what you mean about just wanting to get it over with. Sounds like you are in good hands. We'll be praying for Ella! Let us know how it all goes!
Janet

[Mommyanders]

Good to hear of your daughter's progress! Caleb had the lats transfer and I'm so glad we did! He used to not be able to hug me or play peak a boo or scratch his head. Now he can do all those things! We still have a long road a head, but I'm so glad we had this surgery done for him!

God bless!

Kari