We have decided to do the Rhizotomy this coming summer and have tentatively scheduled it for late may. As I  mentioned in my previous post Rhizotomy – Surgery is never an easy answer, surgery is never an easy answer. We saw Haley’s orthopedist today and he explained that the surgery will help make it easier for Haley to get around, run, an not get so tired after she has gone through the healing process, but it is likely her legs will still turn in and we may want to correct that at some point in the future. He also says that it is still possible we will want to do a hamstring surgery some time in the future. I guess even though we will make big progress with the surgery next summer we will still have a long way to go. This is all good stuff to know before going into the operation since it will allow us to go in with our eye’s wide open. The other piece of valuable advice he gave us today was to get on it now. Now is the time for Haley to start strengthening her core and stretching so when we have the surgery her recovery time will be decreased. I’m going to lay out a bit of what we are doing here for me as much as for any readers that might have to go through this in the future.

DONE:

1. Pray
2. Saw our dr’s both in Atlanta and St. Louis.
3. told to contact Dr. Park
4. Given information to create a video for evaluation – We didn’t have to travel back to St. Louis for the evaluation.
5. Had one of our therapist help instruct Haley so she did all the movements that video requested.
6. Sent video to Dr Park’s office
7. Pray
8. Started scheduling the surgery for summer of 2009 got pregnant with 3rd.
9. stoped all procedures
10. Had baby Oct 2009
11. Contacted Dr Parks office and scheduled surgery for summer 2010.
12. Pray

TO DO:

1. Pray
2. Contact insurance company to find out what they will cover the operation
3. Find out how much additional therapy insurance will cover pre and post op
4. Develop a home therapy program that builds core strength prior to surgery
5. Pray
6. Document Haley’s current movements on the blog to help other’s see the improvements the surgery provides.
7. Work daily with Haley on PT program prior to surgery
8. Pray

Somehow I think I’m missing a lot. I’m hoping some folks who have gone through this before will stop by and give us some pointers. I just want to be sure we have all our ducks in a row.  If anyone does stop by and read this please let me know what kind of therapy you were able to get from your insurance companies post op. I’ll post conversations and references as I get them.

Similar Posts:

• Insurance
• Self Pitty
• Rhizotomy – Surgery is never an easy answer
• Count Down 3 weeks – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
• DADvocate Podcast Episode 3 Interview with Chris Jordan

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