Unfortunately, with any major surgery, complications can arise. After her first surgery, during recovery at home we found a pretty decent size bulge in her abdomen. Dr.Paley alongside Dr.Cywes brought her back in for surgery to reattach the muscles to the bone. Sometimes after detaching it all during hip surgery, they can be weakened and detach themselves. Compared to what she went through prior to that, that surgery was minimal and she was on her feet within a few days.
Unfortunately, right before Christmas, we noticed another bulge in her stomach about a week after the 2nd surgery. It failed. I was so upset that it didn't work and we would have to explain once again to her that she had to go back in. With it being right before the holidays, we kept it fairly quiet so we could all just focus on the progress she was making post hip surgery, rather than the fact that there was this cloud hanging over us. We will be headed to West Palm Beach early next week for surgery on Tuesday morning. They will go over exact details of the procedure with us prior to the surgery but they will most likely use a mesh to hold the muscles and tendons in place after reattaching them to the bone. We should only have to stay one night. It doesn't appear to bother her at all so that's a relief. I'm more concerned about a recent ankle roll she encountered a few days ago! The kid is constantly losing her balance now since surgery. Her gait is better and she walks so much better, but she is just so weak that she loses her footing constantly and rolls her ankle. She gets stronger everyday though.
Now that some time as passed, I feel like there is finally a little light at the end of the tunnel. I can actually see it and feel it. The last few weeks have been so much more normal and familiar. I feel out of the fog of it all. Just like every parent told us, it was the hardest surgery. I kept thinking, "They have to be right. This has to be the worst one. I don't think I can survive another like this or a worse surgery for her." Once it was over or nearly over, the 2nd surgery happened so we went into that one just completely devastated and defeated. We were tired, depressed and just worn out. I'm not sure I handled it as well as I thought I would. Rich was surprised at the misery we felt every single day. With this surgery, I do feel like I can handle it a little better. Rich also. We're not running on "E" anymore. She is back to her happy, spunky self and we're rested and taking steps toward dealing with it all so we can be better prepared for lengthening. It's an emotional grind that you just can't be ready for. I'll say, every time we go through something with her though, it brings out a new perspective. Every.single.time. There's something about going through all of this that connects me to her in an even deeper way. As if you can appreciate your kid any more than you already do, I appreciate her more. I enjoy long mornings at the playground a little more. I enjoy taking our time where we're at with what we're doing because I know what it's like to not be able to do those things. Reading that one extra book before bed, leaving the chores to go to yet another play date. :) We live outside now with our friends! All those things were out of reach for a while. Just to be able to put her in a swing again is amazing! Except when she's screaming, "higher!" Over and over again and you're already pushing it as high as it will go. :)
We hope this is just a minor setback and she can continue to progress and get to a full recovery. I'll post another update after surgery. Until then, pray for Norah and her surgery please. Pray for the surgeons to be thorough and for her to heal quickly with minimal pain.
Thank you all for your support!
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Blessings, Nikki
