Good news with a sprinkle of not so good news

We had our follow up appointment today with the Orthopedic Surgeon about Thomas' back.  The dr came in an immediately announce he had good news with a sprinkle of not so good news.  Good news is that Thomas' back doesn't show anything that causes a sense of urgency to have surgery at this time.  He concurred with the dr from the Shriner's hospital that everything is stable enough to allow him to continue to grow and try to push off surgery for as long as we possible can.  The dr even went as far as to say he is normal for a kid with this type of bone deformity.   As strange as it sounds, I've never heard anything of Thomas' explained as normal and it was actually comforting to hear.  He could do surgery now and correct the issue to the best of his ability but would have to continue to adjust for growth as he is only 10 years old and is just beginning to have the hormone surges causing large pockets of growth.  So, the long term plan is to wait as long as we can.

What does it all mean? So, it means, he will have to continue to work to manage the pain and learn how to work through it, with it, avoid it when possible, etc.  We will stay the course with physical therapy with a few tweaks based on the drs recommendations.  Our goal is strengthen supporting muscles that will help provide him with the most support.  We will keep him active, moving, playing, and optimizing low impact activities like swimming, etc.  Let his sweet body grow and do it's thing. 

We will follow up in six months with him as well as the Shriner's hospital.  I am so thankful for the amazing doctors who are with my son through this and truly have his best interest at heart. 

I am so thankful for all of the prayers and support, this was a huge relief off of all of us that we are not going into surgery this year.  We are always humbled when we hear from so many of you covering us in prayer and willing to help us. 

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8