Yesterday was a very informative day. Brody has his MRI and the girls had appointments.
We found a new Orthopedic and I really, really like her. The doctor listened to all my concerns and explained what is going on and what we are facing. She also did an x ray of her spine and wants me to get a copy of the ultrasound that was just done of her pelvis. Gracie does not have scoliosis. She does have a slight curvature but it is very little and not enough to have a scoliosis diagnosis. Her elbows are ok but one of her arms is slightly longer than the other. She also thought her arms were a little shorter than they should be. Her neck will be okay but we need to continue to work with it. Her club foot that is currently in a cast was addressed as well. She agrees with the other doctor that she is ready for the tendon to be cut. She usually takes kids to the OR for the procedure but given Gracie's medical history we both agree that wouldn't be best for her so, the procedure will be done in office next week. She will be cast afterwards and will wear that cast for 3 weeks. Now for the fun part we had NO CLUE about.... when we go to have that cast removed, we have to go have Gracie fitted for braces for her legs and special shoes that she will have to wear for 4 YEARS! The braces are connected by a metal bar. Basically, she will have a metal bar connected from one foot to the other. Ricky and I hate this for her. Crawling and walking will be that much more of a challenge. One thing I do know is Gracie can handle it. I don't think the other two would be able to but she can. She is such a fighter and has such determination. I asked the doctor if she would be able to walk normal when she is finally able to get rid of the braces and the doctor is very confident she can. She will also be able to be a ballerina if she wants. These issue won't stop her- if anything it would be her brain bleed but since it is a grade 1 we don't have a lot to worry about.
Our next stop was the girls ROP appointment. We have really awesome news... both girls do NOT need to go back to the doctor unless our Pedi feels concerned later down the road AND neither one of the girls need glasses! We wouldn't care if they did need them but this is such a huge victory. A couple of months ago we were so scared for all of their sight. Proof again we have a mighty, loving God!
On our way home, I got a call from the Neonatologist regarding Brody's MRI. Of course it showed that Brody has grade 3 brain bleeds on both sides but the good news is the ventricles are not growing meaning the bleed is resolving. The doctor said it looks good and we shouldn't worry about major mental challenges. Ricky and I feel he will be fine. If he is a slow learner- so what!
Brody is now in the hospital trying to get feeds better. There are some concerns I told the staff about. It seems like Brody is in a lot of pain when feeding and the nurses were forcing him to eat. I got just a little upset about that... ok, maybe really upset but the good news is it is being addressed. The doctor agrees with me that Brody is in pain so we are trying some different medications. I told the doctor I would like to get things fixed because I know I can not force pain on him at home so if he started fighting the bottles I would tube everything. I'm not sure when Brody will be home but I know it will be soon.
In other good news, I found the kiddo's Christmas stockings! Whoo Hoo!! They are being shipped to me now. I've also decided to get a Christmas tree so I think I will do that this weekend.
In other really great news, Ricky is doing awesome in PA. The management really likes him and is very impressed with some things Ricky is getting into place up there. Ricky found out yesterday if he accepts the position he will have an office... imagine that Ricky finally getting an office job :) I screamed "YES! You can have pictures of the babies on your desk!" It is really cold there. The wind chill was -1. I can't imagine what that feels like. WOW!
Please keep praying for us. God has really worked miracles in our lives.
Krista
