Back at home after surgery and ready for a snack
Feeling "loopy" prior to surgeryAbbey had surgery yesterday, March 17.
For those of you who do not know, Abbey was born with Amniotic Banding Syndrome. Amniotic Banding Syndrome (ABS) occurs when fetal parts (usually a limb or digit) become entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb. Think of a rubber-band left on your wrist or finger too long and the indentation that it leaves when you remove it... and you'll get the idea! These bands restrict the growth of the body part it surrounds. In some cases, the band is so tightly wound that it causes amputation. In Abbey's case, the bands were wrapped around her right hand and right foot. The bands also affected several toes on her left foot.
When we received the referral for Abbey back in September 2010, we were able to see pictures of her right hand and foot. Mike and I looked at each other and said "OK, this is doable" We knew she was our daughter and knew we could manage this special need. Of course, we did lots of research and consulted doctors at UAB and a local doctor that specializes in hand surgery. We knew surgery would be required to correct her hand for cosmetic and functional reasons.
So fast forward to March 2011, we met with Dr. Jabaley, our local hand surgeon, to discuss our options. It was decided surgery would be performed to release the banding on all 5 fingers of her right hand and also correct several toes on both feet.
Abbey did GREAT with the surgery! Her right arm is now wrapped up with a soft cast-like material. She pulls at it and tries to get it off... no can do. We had a rough time last night. She could not get comfortable and I know she was hurting. Thank goodness for Tylenol with Codeine! Today has been better. She is so tough and has managed to do just fine using her left hand for everything!!
Including jabbing, pinching and hitting us with it! Oh.... now to get through the next 3 weeks without getting it wet. Yeah, right~
So glad to hear that she is doing so well. I can't believe you were able to get her surgery done so quickly. She certainly is a sweetie!!!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so happy to hear everything went well. What a sweet little love. I hear ya with the no water thing. We went through that with our oldest daughter- reconstructive ear surgery. Bathtime is a treat!! Love the spring pictures- especially the one of Abby and Mike. So darling!
ReplyDeleteGlad everything went well. Eli is going in for permanent ear tubes, nose and lip work in a month. We aren't looking forward to it but it will be good to have it over with. Then we'll have keep him from wacking his nose. Maybe one of those basketball face guards? Oh well.
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