Orthopedic Doctor G - December 13, 2016
We have a winner.
This was our fourth opinion with an orthopedic doctor regarding Kevin’s surgery on his foot/heel/toe and hip. For the record, two of the four doctors that we saw do not perform surgery.
We feel comfortable with this doctor. I liked the way he interacted with Kevin. I liked the way he really took his time while he was examining Kevin to determine his surgery recommendations. He never made us feel rushed or time crunched during the appointment. Most importantly, he has a minimalist approach to surgery - only doing what he feels is necessary to help improve Kevin’s walking. Dr. G stated that we would have to be committed to stretching Kevin because he didn’t want to put Kevin through surgery if his achilles tendon and hip were just going to go back to the way it was - of course we are highly committed to helping Kevin any way we can.
Taking that minimalist approach, he recommended the Z procedure on the achilles heel tendon.This is the least invasive cut that Jon had suggested to the other surgeon. This procedure will allow his heel to finally touch the ground which will greatly improve Kevin’s walking. For Kevin’s big toe that is contracted and has a permanent sore on top the doctor recommended a fusion procedure. Dr. G feels that no further surgery is necessary for the foot. The other doctors had wanted to shorten and lengthen the sides of his foot to help straighten it - Dr. G thinks that by simply getting Kevin’s heel down will correct the pulling in. The other doctors had also wanted to take out the pin in Kevin’s ankle - Dr G says if it’s not broke…or in the case bothering him….then don’t fix it. Dr G recommends to do the achilles and toe surgery first. After Kevin is recovered we will proceed with the left hip surgery. Even though the hip is not causing Kevin any pain at this time, it will be an easier surgery if it's done before the growth plate in his hip closes. If for some reason after the achilles tendon and toe surgery we discover that Kevin does need the extra surgery to correct his foot then we can do that at the time of the hip surgery.
We are scheduled to have the achilles tendon and big toe surgery on January 16, 2017. This will be a much less intense surgery compared to having everything at once. Kevin will have a knee high cast on his left leg. He will be non weight bearing for 4-6 weeks. Total recovery time is estimated to be about 3-4 months. Once he begins walking again after the surgery he will likely need lift adjustments to his shoes due to his left leg being shorter than the right. Later in the year, possibly summer, we will go ahead with the second phase of surgery on Kevin’s left hip. The hip surgery will be a more intense surgery and he will likely be casted with bar between legs.
I felt calm during our appointment with Dr. G until he left and his assistant came in to schedule the surgery. Then it got real. But I do feel comfortable and at peace with this plan for Kevin.
Last month, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, from Italy, speak at our church. Dr. Gianna is the daughter of Saint Gianna Molla - who is a patron saint for mothers and was a pediatrician doctor herself. Dr. Gianna says that her Saint Mom is a saint of everyday life. Learning about Saint Gianna's life and faith has been a blessing to me as we make these difficult decision regarding Kevin.
And a big thanks to my own mama - who always knows the right thing to say to bring me peace.
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| Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla - November 10, 2016 |
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