My Seussical Life for 2004 November 2 (entry 1)

(8) Tue Nov 02 2004 21:25 Surgery Revision: After meeting with our surgeon today, we are feeling a lot better about our decision to go with the heel cord transfer. Dr. Anderson described the procedure in detail, so I thought I'd pass the information on to give you all a better understanding of what we're dealing with. Apparently, the routine is to drill a canal through the calcaneus (heel bone). Then, when the Achilles tendon is detached, Dr. Anderson will sew a suture to the end of the tendon. He will then thread the suture through the opening in the calcaneus, poke the end through the tissue and skin of his foot, and tie the end to a "button" that will anchor the suture from the outside of his foot. The tendon will, over time, attach itself to the new insertion in his calcaneus, and as the bone and muscle heal, Atticus will have much better range in his lower left leg. Atticus is most excited to have a cast; I pointed out a boy in the waiting room today who had a blue cast. As per his request, Dr. Anderson promised a blue cast, so Atticus is anxious to go and get it as soon as possible. He is also waiting with anticipation until he gets to spend the night in his special hospital room. I'm really surprised that he is looking forward to this so much.

Comments:

Posted by Joe at Wed Nov 03 2004 11:03

Doctors are the greatest salesmen in the world for little kids aren't they. "Not only do you get to wear this clunky thing on your leg for 4-6 months, but you get to choose the color." I would love to see a car salesman do something like that.

You know, Atticus could be in training to become a doctor right now as well. You never know... I would love to add to our family of buisnessmen and lawyers (and the occasional scholar) another Doctor. I think that as Atticus grows up I will try to inculcate him in the ways of Hippocrates and Galen. (just watch out...:-)

*Joe privately scheming with wide eyes and a wild grin*

Posted by Frances at Wed Nov 03 2004 11:29

Your Uncle Roy felt the same way when you showed an aptitude for running when you were a little kid.

Posted by Alyson at Wed Nov 03 2004 13:18

Joe showed aptitude for running? I don't think you are talking about me. Joe turned out to be the real athlete that way. I stop running when it hurts, which doesn't take too long.

Posted by Frances at Wed Nov 03 2004 14:45

Joe.

Posted by Kristen at Wed Nov 03 2004 20:46

Good Luck tomorrow, Atticus

Posted by Alyson at Thu Nov 04 2004 07:25

Thanks for your well-wished everyone!

Posted by Alyson at Thu Nov 04 2004 07:26

*wishes*

Posted by Amy at Thu Nov 04 2004 23:47

For Atticus to be looking forward to this event, you and Dave must be doing an amazing job. I credit his great parents, and his great resilience.