Better By The Minute

Jessica had adjustable rods that had to be lengthened approxinayely every 6-12 months to keep up with her growth.  Today those were removed and a full spinal fusion was carried out.  This was a major operation where the spine is straightened using screws, rods and bone grafts from t3 to her pelvis which will be left in permanently.  

Longest moments in my life....waiting to get the go ahead to see jessica after surgery.   Waiting I think is the hardest part.  I keep thinking....Jessica is the strongest girl I know.  Amazing that a 10 year old (soon to be 11 Sept 29th!) claims that title in my life.  She has endured being poked with needles so many times in her tiny arms, has had multiple surgeries,  numerous CT scans/ MRI and has spent numberous days in the hospital in such a short time span.  Through it all, she has handled it with more strength and courage that I ever could!

Pulls on the heart strings seeing her like this :( 

An hour and a half after talking to the surgeon we got to see her.   She looked good considering what she's been through!   She had a breathing tube left in due to some fluid around her lungs.  After a couple of hours, they took the tubes out and she was breathing on her own.  Her o2 levels and blood pressure were a bit low so they still gave her some oxygen and will monitor her blood pressure.

Breathing on her own :)

Now we watch her eye and face movemnts for pain :(  Fingers crossed for a good night :)