After four years of hearing "we don't know what's causing the problem, and there's not much we can do", we have finally been given some answers regarding Hunter's condition. In mid-December, Hunter did a gait analysis, during which a team consisting of an engineer, a physical therapist, a neurologist, and several orthopedic surgeons determined Hunter's muscle and bone function. This team determined that Hunter's muscles function appropriately, and his muscle strength is that of a normal four year old, and therefore he is a good candidate for surgery.
On Friday, January 22, Hunter will undergo an endoscopic quadricepsplasty on his left leg. This is a lengthening/reconstruction of his left quadriceps muscle. The goal of this surgery is for Hunter to achieve greater flexion at the knee joint as currently, he can only bend his left knee to about a 20 degree angle. Lengthening the quadriceps muscle should help him achieve at least a 45 degree angle, although the ultimate goal is 60 degrees. (Hunter can bend his right knee to 45 degrees, so the surgeon does not want to mess with a good thing on that side :o) Signing the consent form for the surgery today was gut-wrenching. As a parent, it is heartbreaking to hand over your sweet, four year old little boy to be operated on, even though you know that the procedure has the potential to drastically change his quality of life in the future. I am not looking forward to that moment of separation tomorrow morning, but I am praying for the strength to keep a smile on my face until Hunter cannot see me anymore (being pregnant does not help with the emotional aspects of your child's surgery!).
The surgery will be done at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, which is the children's hospital at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The hospital is up near San Francisco, which is almost a two hour drive from Monterey, so Hunter and I are spending the night in a hotel on the edge of the Stanford campus, as we have to be at the hospital at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Justin was unable to get any time off of school (tests all week), so he will be driving up to Stanford to join us when he gets out of school tomorrow afternoon.
Hunter's surgery is scheduled for mid morning, and should take 1.5-2 hours. He will be casted with his leg at a 30 degree angle (assuming that angle is achievable), and the cast will need to stay on for three weeks. We are expected to stay in the hospital until midday on Sunday.
I will be using this blog to update you all on Hunters progress this week, and for the weeks to follow. Thank you so much for your prayers and support, they are very much appreciated :o)
Love,
Justin, Nickie, and Hunter
