preparing for surgery: the pre-op appointment
Elie when we first met Dr. Friend at the pre-op visit with our amazing doctor. she is in great hands! "I just can't believe I am doing this surgery on this little girl in front of me. I mean, look at her, she is active and jumping and just amazing." I have heard this line from our orthopedic surgeon multiple times over the past two years. He never ceases to be amazed at the contrast between our daughter's xrays and her physical presentation. The surgery she is having is common for children with cerebral palsy but not for children who can run and jump. As he continually explains to me, most children with CP who need this type of surgery have spent their lives in a wheelchair. His words come again and I try to keep the pieces of my heart together. I see it in his eyes and I know from the private conversations we have had.... the first five years of her life made a lasting impact on her bone structure. She was carried too much and pushed too littl