Dakota Update

Dakota had a doctor's appointment about a week ago to check on the progress of his hip.  Dakota and I had worked together to try and get more exercises done at home & even though the progress wasn't great, it's still progress.  And apparently it's enough, cause Dakota is having surgery on June 21st @ 8 AM to have the three pins and the plate removed.  The surgery is a same day procedure so we should be out that same night, but he may have to spend one night, depending on how he recovers.

There are 3 stages to Perthes.  Stage 1 is diagnosis and the initial surgery (been there, done that).  Usually in stage 1 the blood supply to the bone has already stopped and a lot of the bone is already dead.  Stage 2 is where your body absorbs the dead bone & stage 3 is where new bone will reform.  The doctor said that we are not quite fully into stage 2, but very close.

After surgery Dakota will have to use his walker for about six weeks (he is NOT happy over that), which just about ruins summer for him (poor kid).  Luckily, we have a lot of changes that are occurring over the course of the next few months (see "We're Moving" post) so he should stay busy helping me out around the house.

Anyway, that's all the update I have at this time.  Dakota has to go in to see his regular doctor for a pre-op appointment to make sure he is healthy enough for surgery & then we are clear to go!  Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers!  Thanks :)