Shriners RULES!

Hi there everyone! Sorry I have been MIA. My laptop is like a toddler magnet!

Anyway, our visit with Shriners went really well. Here's the brief overview. In their opinion, Merritt does in fact have Fibular Hemimelia. We will have to go back every six months for a while until we compile 3 sets of xrays. At that point, they will enter all the data into a Moseley graph and then give us an estimated LLD. If the estimate is under 5 centimeters, then Merritt can opt for the epiphysiodesis, If the estimate is over the 5 cm, then Merritt will have to have his leg lengthened... and of course, the possibility of 2 surgeries. BUT... and this is my favorite part... . Here's what the PA said, and I quote, "It is possible that you guys have a lengthening in your future, but probably not." WOOHOO! Okay, I'm not going to get my hopes up too high, but I sure have my fingers crossed!

So, on top of all that, the hospital was great! The whole place was really geared towards the children and their caregivers. Tons of toys, playhouses, playgrounds, and even a little gift for each child in the waiting room! Each member of the staff that we spoke to was extremely sweet and helpful. They even made strides to include my older son by giving him stickers and talking to him. That was huge! Turner really felt included and that helped him to stay in a much better mood :)

As for Merritt's foot, we have an appt with our amazing footy man, Dr. Ramono, on March 17th... (deep breaths and fingers crossed. Man, I seem to be doing a lot of finger crossing lately! haha.)

Alrighty all... Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is about the end. My time is up! Hope you all are doing well.

Shriners visit coming up this week

Merritt has an appointment at Shriners Hospital in Tampa on Wednesday. We are excited and anxious about this. If you have read my previous posts, you know that we have been given 2 estimations regarding Merritt's LLD. The first at a little over 2 inches and the second at almost 5 inches. I am thinking that a third opinion will really help us to understand Merritt's leg.

Plus, Shriners seems totally awesome! If you haven't checked out their facilities, you can at this link... Shriners Tampa. I watched the online tour and was really impressed.

Well, our appointment is Wednesday morning at 10:30. The whole family is going. So, it should be an adventure. 4 hours in a mini-van with an almost 1 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, a big grumpy 29 year old (yes, that would be my husband, ha), and me - as a nervous wreck! My biggest fear is that this doctor is going to give us even more bad news; that Merritt's LLD is going to be even larger. Honestly, I don't know how I will even handle that.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'll let you guys know how it works out!