Little Kinley had an MRI over Thanksgiving break to see if something was causing the Scoliosis. She was so cute and brave at the hospital. Never once did she complain about not being able to eat before hand. She had Versed before the MRI to make her a little relaxed while they put the IV in. She had to have two attempts at the IV, so we were glad for the meds on board, since she was pretty drowsy. After the MRI was over, she was being a little ham in the recovery room. I could not believe how much she was talking to the nurses! It was cute!
When we were walking out to the car, Kinley got mad because she thought we hadn't done the MRI yet. She still was so confused from the sedation that she insisted we were leaving without doing the procedure! Got to love the good meds these days!!!
The results from the MRI were surprising and not what we were expecting. It showed Kinley has Chiari 11 Malformation and also Syringomyelia. It is probable that these are what is causing the severe scoliosis. So, its off to meet with neurosurgery. Tim and I did some frantic research after we received the results, looking for the best neurosurgeon around. Fortunately, we felt really good about the Doctor in Seattle, so we are waiting for an appointment with him.
In the mean time, we are going to go ahead and get a brace for Kinley to hopefully keep the scoliosis from getting any worse. She was fitted for the brace this past week, and will get the brace the week of Christmas. Kinley had an idea of exactly the pattern she wanted on the brace when we got to Shriners. And they are going to try to make it work for her! She was so excited to know they were going to try to create her vision for her.
These new diagnosis are both surprising and so upsetting. Our course of treatment has totally been changed because of this. And neurosurgery sounds so scary! More then likely Kinley will have to have some kind of decompression surgery. After decompression surgery, research has shown that 33% of patients have a decrease in the scoliosis curve. 33% don't notice a change. And 33% have the curve increase. Hummmm, not as great of numbers as we were hoping! I dreamed that this might be our miracle to make her spine straight. Just a little neurosurgery, and then we could kiss scoliosis goodbye! The reality of it is many kids still have to be braced for years to try and straighten out the spine. But, maybe, just maybe this could be our answer. We can always hope!
Through all of this, Kinley has been extremely chill. She has not complained one bit, and does everything that is asked of her. What a trooper! We love you sweet Kinley and are here fighting for you every step of the way!
Getting fitted for her first brace!
