Our scoliosis story began in February 2013 when Kedzie was at her eight year old well child visit. She had a curve of around 25-30*. We met with a doctor at Children's that we didn't really like and then decided to head to a chiropractor in Ft. Collins that we did like.
We went twice a week throughout that summer to Ft. Collins for treatment and she made progress.
she also made a great deal of friends. Tom and Liz were some favorites.
She then broke her leg in 2014 and we had another X-ray done by Children's and the result was a 53* curve and a referral to the best scoliosis surgeon in the area, Dr. Erickson. The Doctor and his PA, Ryan were concerned that if we waited to have surgery in the summer, the rate her curve was going, it would travel into her lower back. By doing the surgery now, we saved her lower back and 90% of her mobility. It was a good choice. Hard, but good. The hardest thing for me was sending my healthy, baby girl off to the OR without injury or pain and realize that she'd come back in a great deal of pain. However, she is amazing and strong and brave and optimistic. She's been great. We are two weeks out now and the only concern is headaches. She's been to school the last two days for 1 1/2 hours each and the headaches send her home. Her back doesn't hurt, it's a great deal straighter and hopefully her life, physically, will be better than had we not had the surgery.
Pre-op entertainment
Post op bandage and cords.
Before and after
Day 1 she passed all her Physical Therapy goals and we thought we were heading home. Then, she started to get sick and couldn't get her O2 levels up. So, we spent five days at the hospital getting better. I'm so grateful for the nurses and doctors who were so patient and kind and thoughtful throughout this challenging experience.
We had so much support from friends! Here we are face timing with the Krause's. We had a few visitors, but lots of texts and messages. So much love and support and encouragement. Meals every night for over a week. Kathy and Reggie were watching the boys and Travis came and went from the hospital as needed.
She was pretty tired every day. And zoned out watching tv.
Day 3 post op
We finally came home on the 23rd, a Sunday. She was so glad to be home. We were all glad to be home.
Dumb headaches
Lisa Thornton gave her a whistle to get our attention if needed. Hmmm...I wonder where that went?!
A sweet note from her sweet brother Ethan
A big card from the primary. She also got individual notes from all her class mates and many family and friends. She got a lot of gifts and visits at home once she came home too.
This was huge on Monday night I think, she got up to decorate cookies and then she went back to bed. Love that hair! And her back had started to itch!
This is one week later. She's pretty much back! We just need the headache's to go away. But, she is a fighter. She is tough and wonderful. It was hard, but she barely complained. What an amazing young lady she is. We love you Kedzie!
They fused T-4 to L-1
And, this wonderful note is from Kedzie's scoliosis mentor Haley Brooks, a college student that I taught in primary when she was eight. What a blessed it has been to have her in our lives throughout this experience.
We were truly blessed. I know that Grandma Mary, Aunt Vickie and Heather Kartchner were all watching over Miss Kedzie. I know that we did the surgery at the right time for Kedzie. I know that we have a great deal of friends to support and help out our family. We are not alone. We are loved so much. Also, as a side note, Perry, Travis and Reggie gave a beautiful blessing to Kedzie prior to surgery. We are grateful for their priesthood.
Kedzie is still healing, but she is amazing and working hard with a smile, most of the time. I'm grateful that I can be her mother. She's truly a gift in my life.
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