New Rods!

Kadence has new rods! After 8 extensions and total growth of just over one inch, Kadence graduated to the next size rods. Surgery was on Thursday and according to Dr. Heflin went just as expected. He did have to redo the screws at the base of the rods but was able to use the same clips which are attached to her upper ribs on either side of her spine. This surgery was not quite as invasive as he was able to use the same ”channel” for the rods themselves… less soft tissue damage. He also removed part of the clips which will be more comfortable for her as the previous ones were beginning to cause some discomfort.

Though she was pretty uncomfortable on surgery day due to back spasms, she was able to get up and walk a bit by the end of the day. On day two she is off IV fluids and on IV pain meds only. She has been sitting up and walking with just a bit of help. We expect her to be released from the hospital by Saturday, a day of rest at Airbnb in town and the home on Monday. Overall, this has been much easier than the first rod surgery.

The next hurdle will be getting her back into school. Because she cannot sit for long periods of time, she will need accommodation. We are confident that the staff at her school will be most cooperative. In the meantime, Kadence will keep up with her friends via Facetime ( which is the most critical aspect of the whole thing to “Miss Congeniality”)

As always, we are grateful to the staff of Shriners, Intermountain Children’s Primary and to all of you for your support and prayers.

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