June 10th Pre Op Visit

Written by Mrs. C.

Today was the pre-op visit. We found out yesterday that Dr. H. wanted to see us today instead of waiting until the day before surgery. So, we hopped in the car. Mom, Dad, and Nick. (Nick did not want to miss the last day of finals so he asked if he really had to go.) My response. Of Course, it IS YOUR LEG!

Although the ride was long and boring. (Four hours up and four hours back) We took it all in stride. A glimpse of the many more trips to come this summer. Ugh!

We talked to Dr. H and his assistants. We talked about two methods of lengthening that might be used. One, the use of a ISKD. Internal titanium rod inserted into the femur. This method is newer and less noticeable. Nick will only be on crutches. They have to make sure his knee is stable enough to use this device. From the initial exam, it looks like this is a strong possibility. Method two, is the use of another internal rod that is attatched to a metal external fixater. This is very stable but will cause more scarring and can is very noticeable. The external fixater is a metal cage that circles the leg and is attatched with pins to the femur. The doctors have a meeting every Thursday to discuss upcoming surgery cases. They will meet and decide what procedure Nick will get. It is comforting to know there is a team of doctors, world renowned, making the decisions together.

We will find out some time on Thursday what method will be used. Then Nick will try to cram as much summer as he can into the next five days.