Check Up

Tuesday, Spencer has his annual scoliosis checkup at Children's

Medical Center in Dayton. As you can see, he's quite a crooked

young man! We're fortunate to have a sensible orthopedic surgeon

who has worked with autistic kids, performed back surgery on some,

and even has an autistic granddaughter! Imagine our relief and

surprise when we found these things out back in 5th grade when

we went for our first appointment! God doesn't make any

mistakes, does he? :)

*******

As it is, although Spencer's scoliosis is fairly severe, he has opted not to

do a brace or surgery unless he is in pain or the scoliosis progresses.

Each year we go get X-rays and have an exam to determine what

happens next. There has been no progression in all these years.

And in case you are wondering, he said that a 'normal' child

living in a body brace 24/7 for a year or two must be emotionally

strong, understand why he must wear it, and be determined that

he will do it. In Spencer's case, being non-verbal and not able to

understand why he must wear a brace or have surgery (7 hour

surgery, 7 day hospital stay and 4 month recovery at home), he said

it would 'put our whole family through hell'. So, off we go on Tuesday

to see what will happen to our family...the semi-hell of autism or

a full fledged 'hell' of back surgery and recovery.

*******

Oh dear..that does sound a little bleak, doesn't it?

Either way, I know we would survive, but it would be nice if

there was not any progression of the scoliosis, wouldn't it?

If you think about it, pray for us ...and I'll give you an update

Tuesday evening. Thanks, dear friends. :)