This was one of the most difficult experiences James and I have had to face together. On Friday October 16th we took Owen to Duke Children's hospital to have surgery to release his tethered spinal cord. Dr. Fuch's performed the surgery and it was a success. It's very heart wrenching to kiss your child goodbye and know what's going to happen. Luckily James was allowed to go into the operating room with him and hold him until he went to sleep. As much as I wanted to I knew that James would do a better job. I didn't want Owen to see me cry. It was hard but our little guy was so brave!
The recovery period was long and hard for Owen and for us. 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital were difficult on everyone. Words can't describe hearing your child say "help mama" and not be able to do anything. I was helpless! I couldn't hold him and make it better. I couldn't pick him up and run away. The only thing I could do was to lay beside him and kiss him . They told us most children will lay down because of the pain. Not Owen... no way no how!! Just as I suspected he was trying to sit up right out of surgery. The nurses had to run and get us and told us how strong he was. DUH! We told you so!
The first 2 days Owen had to lie flat... no sitting up at all. It was so hard to keep him flat and for the most part he was on heavy drugs to keep his pain away. On the third day they let him sit up at a 35 degree angle and that made things a little better. Once they saw that he was tolerating that and not leaking spinal fluid he was allowed to sit the rest of the way up. We were on the road to recovery!! It's amazing how resilient children are.
Thank goodness for Elmo, Mom Mom, and Nanny. Without them I'm not sure we would have made it. They were a great distraction for Owen! There was a lot of Elmo! Elmo books, Elmo movies, Elmo puzzles, and Elmo Live. Yes there was a lot of Elmo. I pretty much know every word to Elmo in Grouchland. Thank goodness for Elmo!
I didn't have the heart to take many pictures. I didn't need a reminder of what he was going through. I'm sure I won't forget. But, I did take a snapshot once. Just once when I saw a little glimmer of the little boy I brought to the hospital. The little boy without the wires and cords. The little boy that was sitting up eating his bugles! He was happy and feeling better and I knew the end was near. We were going home!!!
Goodbye Duke Hospital!!! We hope we don't have to come back!!!
He took some time to do his cool trick!
We bribed him with Brownies to put the hat on! 
We bribed him with Brownies to put the hat on! 
