Miriam’s surgery went as smoothly as possible today. She was so happy and excited as we went through the pre-op process this morning. We thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We know it is the grace and strength coming from all of you that protects her from fear and keeps her heart joyful. And Dell Children’s Hospital is such a gift to us. Here she is modeling the new gowns they have today:

modeling the gown

Her surgeon was able to move the attachment point of her spinal rod up to the next vertebra so he did not need to exchange the device. Instead, he trimmed the existing rod a little and connected it to the new hook on the higher vertebra. This way he was able to get the usual expansion without having to adjust the length of the device. He mentioned that the other rod, connected rib-to-rib on her side, may need to be exchanged at her surgery in the spring, as it appears to be nearing the end of its expansion (although one more might be possible).

This afternoon she has had visits from her grandfather, her sweet Godmother, and her wonderful kindergarten teacher. She has a bag full of cards from her classmates, many coloring projects, a beautiful handmade bag full of crafts from her grandmother, numerous new toys, and six big balloons. No wonder this girl is always so brave for surgery – she knows the outpouring of love is always more than enough to cover the pain (and the drugs help, too).

We are spending the night to make sure pain is under control and then we should go home tomorrow. Right now she is sleeping peacefully so we seem to be on the right track for a morning discharge. As always, thanks for your love and support!

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