Weighing a big decision

@bobo2500 (153)
Howell, Michigan
November 4, 2015 8:59pm CST
Today I didn't go into work so that i could accompany my wife to an appointment in regards to my son, Noah. For those of you who don't know me from other sites, my son lives with Cerebral Palsy. In his case this means a pretty decent physical impairment due to excessive tone in his legs and arms. He is able to walk but not well, and with poor balance. He also has other issues, but for the sake of keeping things short, we'll just stop there. His primary rehabilitation doctor suggested that we look into a procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. For a good explanation see this link ( http://www.stlouischildrens.org/our-services/center-cerebral-palsy-spasticity/about-selective-dorsal-rhizotomy-sdr ) for a cliffnotes version: They go into the patients spine and selectivly cut nerves that seem to cause the problems with spastisity in the patients legs. We got a long explanation from the doctor on risks, outcomes, and criteria for patients. He wants to do another test and give us time to think before we make a decision. Long story short: This is a very serious surgery but isn't known for being all that risky. However, it comes with 2 weeks of hospitalization and months, and months of intense physical therapy afterwards. Meaning one, or both of us would have to take time off of work for it to happen. Not to mention they would literally be opening up my son's spine... So, as you can see, i have a lot to think about in the coming days. we're looking at early next year, or spring time if we decide to go forward with the surgery. Any thoughts, input, or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.
5 people like this
5 responses
@GardenGerty (161010)
• United States
5 Nov 15
The fact that they are even offering this is a choice indicates to me that they think Noah is a good candidate for the surgery. I am not familiar with this procedure so it would seem to me it would depend on many factors. Go for a doctor that has performed the surgery many times.
2 people like this
@poehere (15123)
• French Polynesia
5 Nov 15
I have to agree with you. I don't know much about this either but I would check with a specialist. I would want a doctor that has done this many time too.
2 people like this
@bobo2500 (153)
• Howell, Michigan
5 Nov 15
We do everything for Noah through University of Michigan Hospital, they are top notch in many areas, and well above average in the others. We met the doctor that would do the surgery today, he seemed very competent and well versed in the procedure. But still, it's a big decision.
1 person likes this
@bobo2500 (153)
• Howell, Michigan
5 Nov 15
@poehere The doctor we spoke with today does most, if not all of these surgeries for this hospital, and it's a big hospital. But still, no harm in research and weighing the risks.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Dec 15
Wow Ryan yes it's something you have to weigh carefully. I hope for Noah's and you and your wife's sake you do make the correct decision.
1 person likes this
@bobo2500 (153)
• Howell, Michigan
15 Dec 15
We have had a lot of time to think and we have decided to go through with the surgery. It's still scary as heck though.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
15 Dec 15
@bobo2500 wow well I sure hope everything works out for the best. Much good luck to you and Noah and your family.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
14 Nov 15
Wow that's pretty scary, and a really big decision. If I were in your shoes I'd have to look at the long term effects. Will it create a better quality of life for him? I assume that's the goal of the surgery. I know things will be hard for awhile, but if it's worth going through the few months of physical therapy in order to have a better, fuller life for years to come, it may be worth it. That's just my 2 cents as I'm not the one having to make this choice.
1 person likes this
@bobo2500 (153)
• Howell, Michigan
14 Nov 15
That is just about the conclusion we have come to as well. Thanks for your input!
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (32762)
• Petaluma, California
5 Nov 15
My prayers are with you guys. :( This makes my think of my parents, though in a bit of a different circumstance, when they were told things about my condition as an infant. As someone who is not a parent, I can sort of imagine, but I could never know how you feel. :(
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Nov 15
I've absolutely no experience of this, so can offer you nothing but my sympathy and good wishes. Good luck, whatever you decide.
1 person likes this
@bobo2500 (153)
• Howell, Michigan
5 Nov 15
Thank you, it's a lot to consider. Luckily i have time to think it over.
1 person likes this