In fact, by the time I get this post published, she should be IN surgery. This is a MAJOR procedure called SDR surgery, or Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.
In a nutshell, the neurosurgeon will make an incision on her lower back, lift off the top part of the spine there (between 2 and 4 inches), and expose the spinal cord and nerves coming off the cord.
He'll test the nerves to see which ones are causing the spasticity in Ellie's legs, and cut those so they stop sending the wrong signals. With the spasticity relieved, Ellie should be able to walk without a scissor gait.
She'll be in surgery 4 to 5 hours, then to the recovery room and on to ICU.
It takes a long time to recover from this surgery. She has to have lots of therapy and re-train the muscles so they are functioning correctly.
If you want to read more about Ellie, the main site is "Helping Ellie Walk." It has links to her Facebook page, and her mom's blog about the SDR surgery.
And if you'd be so kind as to keep her and her folks in your thoughts and prayers, it would sure be appreciated!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, I see I’m reading this a bit late. How did sweet little angel Ellie do? How are you holding up? I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers, wishing for the speediest (and most successful) recovery for Ellie.
How did Ellie’s surgery go?
Thanks Dani and Ceecee. Her surgery went well, with only a minor glitch (had to take more of the vertebra off than usual). but the neurosurgeon said that should effect the healing process! So now it’s just make it through the next 2 or 3 days, until the worst of the pain subsides and she can sit up.
Prayers being said, my friend!!
Please give beautiful Ellie a hug from me,
~Lisa