This post is from July 2013. This surgery ultimately went wrong.  We are having to do it over again. Sept 16, 2014.  A New post will be on our blog Monday, Sept 15, 2014 with more info.

For the last several years, Kennady’s muscles have gotten really tight.  So much so, that they are contracting her arms and legs completely and creating scoliosis in her back (curvature of the spine).  This causes a lot of pain and difficulty in bathing, getting her in and out of her chair, and basically all movemnent.  We have given her medicine (baclofen) in hopes of reducing this tightness.  It has worked some but it has a lot of negative side effects with little success.

A few months ago we decided on a surgery that would insert a medicine pump in her abdomen, with a catheter into her spine, that will automatically put the medicine directly in contact with her nervous system and muscles.  This will allow the medicine to skip the ‘blood brain barrier’ and not cause the side effects. It will also allow us to use lower doses with a greater reward.

Today’s surgery inserted the catheter and if it works successfully, they will insert the medicine pump on Tuesday. We have to stay in the hospital the whole time. It will take around 8 days for the complete recovery to happen and before we can go home.

We got to the hospital at 7:15am, we met with the surgeons, and then she went into surgery around 8:30am.  We waited around the hospital until we were called back to meet with the surgeon (post op) around 2pm.  It was a very long process because they had a difficult time getting the catheter in the spine.  In fact the surgeon said, “This was the most difficult catheter placement I have ever done.  We almost called off the procedure.  We couldn’t get the needle in the spine, but God was on our side. I said a prayer and pushed one last time.”  The final time was perfect and the process was completed.

As of 6pm, she still hasn’t woken (is that the right word?) up. The medicine is already working tremendously well. Her muscles are extremely soft! This is awesome. In fact, she laying in a way that looks so peaceful and relaxed.  It was almost strange to see her body configured like a normal child. Actually, it’s beautiful.

We are so thankful to you all for the prayers and the outpouring of support.  Mike Hollifield brought us lunch and Ruth Palacios brought us dinner.  Randy Phillips came by and took me (Robin) out for a few minutes.  Then, we received a huge gift basket from PromiseLand Central!  WE ARE TAKEN CARE OF!

After Kennady went back to surgery, I ran to this taco shack off Airport Blvd. for some TACOS

Erica is beautiful!

Sticking tongue out at dad

heading back to surgery. this guy was a hunk.

Here is our suite!

occupational therapist taking measurements on Kennady’s new flexibility.

snoozin’!

Randy proud of his towing sticker