MRI Review

On Tuesday, the surgeon told us the good news... no pathologies, other than idiopathic scoliosis were found. Bending films show MJ to be "extremely flexible." His doctor did a fine job describing his condition. He told MJ he would need surgery in order to stop the curve from progressing further. After he told him MJ said, "what about those needles?" And the doctor said, "what needles?" MJ said "you know, those long, sharp, pointy things...!" He was talking about needing four weekly shots of Procrit to help build up his blood to prepare for surgery. MJ has such a good sense of humor.

All in all, we believe MJ is taking the news very well.

The surgery will be a fusion with instrumentation from T-4 to L-2, perhaps shorter.

National Scoliosis Foundation Conference on Spinal Deformities

For the first time in the U.S.! The National Scoliosis Foundation is hosting its 4th International Conference on Conservative Management of Spinal Deformities on May 13-16, 2007 at Northeastern University in Boston. The conference is a multi day event offering something for everyone interested in the topic of conservative care. This is an unique opportunity to meet and talk with scoliosis experts from the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment; Scoliosis Research Society; The International Research Society for Spinal Deformities and many more. Click here for more information

The MRI... A Prelude to Surgery

Well, the MRI is behind us now... MJ has come so far from needing "First ____, then ___" and "wait" picture icons to help him learn patience. He waited patiently all day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with nothing to eat or drink, and not one complaint. MJ grew anxious right before the test began, saying negative things like "I'd run and hide in the back of the car, but I'm not invisible enough" and "Are you going to leave me here to die?" Once he got inside the test site and saw the large MRI scanner, said "Oh, I get it now. They need pictures of my spine," and "I'm going to be fine. I'm invincible!" He's shown us time and again his ability to adapt with humor and courage. In the recovery room, MJ told us "When I woke up I wanted to complement the doctor [anesthesiologist] but I was too weak to talk." Later on when the doctor came into the recovery room, MJ told him "I want to be just like you." The doctor was visibly touched by the complement. This day will definitely help prepare MJ for surgery. MRI day felt a bit like dress rehearsal. The hospital staff provided excellent care. A nurse from the recovery room called this morning to ask how MJ is doing. Little things mean a lot...

A reassuring call from a social worker…

Janine, a social worker from the hospital called this morning. She returned my call about a program designed to introduce young children and teenage patients to the hospital, operating room, and recovery room. Janine has really helped ease some of my fears. Particularly, fear that the hospital staff may be unprepared or untrained to handle an autistic child. She told me about their experienced Child Life Specialists who are there to help all of its pediatric patients, including those with developmental disabilities. Janine assured me the social workers, child life specialists, teacher, physical therapists, and medical teams in ICU and the pediatric ward, would do their best to access and see that MJ's needs are met while in the hospital, at discharge, and at home. What a blessing… and a relief!

Need for an MRI

Due to the rapid progression of the curve, an MRI of the spine can rule out any other problems. After the doctor reviews it, we'll know more details about the surgery. The MRI is set for Tuesday. This too will not be a simple routine procedure. MJ will need to be sedated. The MRI will be done at the hospital where the surgery is performed.

We're depending on this first-rate hospital and staff to continue to guide and impress us in treating MJ with professionalism, dignity and respect, all the way through the healing process.