Pre-op Doctor visit

Callie, Darren, Becky and I went to Callie's pre-op Doctor's appointment yesterday. They took another set of x-rays. Her top curve is now 65 degrees and her lower curve is 61 degrees.

**Callie's X-ray**


According to the "curve interpretation" chart, which doctors use to define the curve, a "severe" curve measures 45-50 degrees. At 13 years old, Callie's curves are already "severe", plus she isn't finished growing yet so there is a 90% chance the curves would continue to worsen without surgery.

Furthermore, "Curves of 60 degrees or more, which are rare, present a special problems. Even after the child finishes growing, there is a strong likelihood the curve will continue to progress. This leads to significant deformity of the chest and interference with the function of the heart and lungs. The muscles are displaced and can cause pain. With time, the unequal forces on the spine lead to arthritis. No treatment other than surgery has ever been shown to work for these patients." *GULP*

The more I read, the more I realize there is no other viable option but to go ahead with the spinal fusion surgery. Here is a picture to give you an idea of what the xrays should look like *after* the surgery


I know the "after" picture looks scary (like something out of a Terminator movie) BUT the benefits of having the surgery, will hopefully far outweigh the risks.

It will be really hard, but we will get through this!