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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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. :)

25 comments:

  1. Spencer just moved to the top of our Prayer List. We will be praying big time that he will not have to endure the brace or surgery.

    We have a BIG God ~~ and we will pray for a BIG answer!

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  2. Prayers going up for Spencer and your entire family. I know, through working with children with Autism and having friends with autistic children, that it is really emotionally draining, even on the good days.

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  3. Wanda ~ yes He is big. He's given us a miracle every year for this appointment and I sure would love to have another one! Otherwise, you're going to have to really pray me through this next hurdle! :)

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  4. You have a huge team of people prepared to fall on thier knees for you and the boys.
    God is good!

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  5. My prayers are going out for you, Spencer, and your family. Also sending out light and love for the best outcome.
    I am amazed at your strength.

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  6. Oh dear Betsy and Spencer! Spencer and your entire family is in our prayers. I can't imagine whats going through your head right now.

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  7. got your back on the prayers betsy...no pun inteded of course...all things possible...

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  8. Absolutely Betsy, absolutely praying for you and your family!

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  9. I will be happy to pray for a good outcome for Spencer! I'm hoping you are enjoying your moments alone too. Keep us posted.

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  10. Of course I'll pray for all of you and Spencer, Betsy! You are one of the bravest people and, I know it's difficult, but be as positive as you can be... Much love to you all... and remember 'God is Love'.

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  11. Oh gosh, Betsy, I can only imainge. thanks for keeping us all up to date. I feel for you all.

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  12. I will say a prayer for him...and I hope all turns out well for all of you! :D

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  13. I'll certainly be thinking of you all. Very best wishes.

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  14. If thoughts are prayers, there will be few praying for you as much as I today. Good luck my brave friend.

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  15. I will keep Spencer in my thoughts and prayers today. Medical issues are so hard for us to grasp so I can't even imagine what Spencer's understanding will be.

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  16. I am praying RIGHT NOW for NO BRACE and ABSOLUTELY NO SURGERY!! God knows what you need.

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  17. Absolutely...praying for all of you and for wisdom and discernment for the doctors.

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  18. Your a strong lady! I am praying for you, Spencer, and your family!

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  19. And I thought my morning was rough...I am so sorry. You are so brave to face every day. I have mild scoliosis and was terrified of having a brace when I was growing up. I never did have to have one but I'm sure it would have taxed my fragile self-esteem to it's limits.

    Keep smiling even if it's a 'grin and bare it day.'

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  20. Praying for you and looking forward to hearing the good news tonight.

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  21. Thinking of you and Spencer today and praying another miracle.

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  22. I'm reading this kind of too late to pray(Tuesday afternoon already) but I'm sending up some prayers anyway! It's a good thing that God cares about all of our burdens. I'm praying that there will be no surgery induced hell for you!

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