On Tuesday we had to take Jackson in for his pre-op appointment in Grand Rapids. Since Eric was on vacation we thought that we would make the day of it and take Annika along and also go to the Grand Rapids Childrens Museum.
So first of all we met with Dr. Skarli, our neurosurgeon. He basically explained once again to us the procedure and what we can expect. Jackson will be having surgery on Monday, January 4 at 7:30 am. It will be an early morning for us since we need to arrive at the hospital already by 5:30 am. The surgery is expected to take about 3 hours. I know that I explained the surgery once before in an previous blog, but I will explain it again a little. The surgery is basically done because Jackson's brain is growing faster than he is his syndrome is an overgrowth syndrome). This causes pressure and forces the rear part of his brain (the cerebellum) to push down into his spinal column. The surgery will correct this by removing the posterior portion of C-1 of his vertebrae. The doctor then tries to "pull" on the portion that extends into the spinal column and hopefully he will be able to pull it up without having to remove any more vertebrae. He also makes the opening into the skull (the foramen magnum) larger and he opens up the Dura (the protective lining surrounding the brain) and puts a patch in to make it larger. This is all done to give the brain more room. Everything is then sealed with a bioseal to prevent any leaks. Eric and I both feel very well informed about the surgery. I am sure that we will be very nervous on the day of surgery, but we know that we need to give Jackson over to God. Only He know the plans for our dear Jackson. So on Monday morning as you are getting ready for your day, please say a prayer for Jackson and the neurosurgeon and pray that everything will go well and we will be home again soon. We are so very thankful for all of the encouragement that we have received already.
After we had our appointment we make our way to the Childrens Museum where Annika had a great time. Jackson probably did not have so much fun since I hardly let him touch anything out of fear of germs and him getting sick before surgery. Below are some pictures of Annika playing at the museum and Annika and Jackson looking through a tube with mirrors.
So first of all we met with Dr. Skarli, our neurosurgeon. He basically explained once again to us the procedure and what we can expect. Jackson will be having surgery on Monday, January 4 at 7:30 am. It will be an early morning for us since we need to arrive at the hospital already by 5:30 am. The surgery is expected to take about 3 hours. I know that I explained the surgery once before in an previous blog, but I will explain it again a little. The surgery is basically done because Jackson's brain is growing faster than he is his syndrome is an overgrowth syndrome). This causes pressure and forces the rear part of his brain (the cerebellum) to push down into his spinal column. The surgery will correct this by removing the posterior portion of C-1 of his vertebrae. The doctor then tries to "pull" on the portion that extends into the spinal column and hopefully he will be able to pull it up without having to remove any more vertebrae. He also makes the opening into the skull (the foramen magnum) larger and he opens up the Dura (the protective lining surrounding the brain) and puts a patch in to make it larger. This is all done to give the brain more room. Everything is then sealed with a bioseal to prevent any leaks. Eric and I both feel very well informed about the surgery. I am sure that we will be very nervous on the day of surgery, but we know that we need to give Jackson over to God. Only He know the plans for our dear Jackson. So on Monday morning as you are getting ready for your day, please say a prayer for Jackson and the neurosurgeon and pray that everything will go well and we will be home again soon. We are so very thankful for all of the encouragement that we have received already.
After we had our appointment we make our way to the Childrens Museum where Annika had a great time. Jackson probably did not have so much fun since I hardly let him touch anything out of fear of germs and him getting sick before surgery. Below are some pictures of Annika playing at the museum and Annika and Jackson looking through a tube with mirrors.
Sherry- I always took those mirror pics of the preschoolers and the parents loved them! Isn't the childrens museum great? See you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteMom DJ
Really cute pics of the kids at the Children's Museum! I am sure Annika just loved it! Holding you and your family in our prayers! Lots of love.
ReplyDeleteWe have started our prayers for Jackson and will continue them especially tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLove,
AuntBarb