Preparing for Another Surgery

    Well, its been a while since I last posted and we were anxiously praying for bone growth and healing for our Madi.  After many months and several x-rays we learned that Madi's hip is not healing the way that Dr. Paley wanted it to.  There is a lack of bone growth and some shifting in her hip area.  He told us that he needs to do a Valgus Osteotomy to straighten it out and add even more bone growth material.  To say I was devastated is an understatement.  I was so hopeful that we would get some good news.  I began to question whether I was doing the right things when it came to Madi's care, that maybe lengthening wasn't the direction we were supposed to go in.  I had many questions for Dr. Paley.  I asked what would our next step be if this didn't work, what the recovery was like and if she needed this surgery regardless of whether or not we continue on with lengthening.  The answers he gave me reassured me so much.  He said that while this occurs in only about 5% or less of his patients, he has always gotten the bone to grow and the hip to heal.  There was no hesitation at all in his answer.  He said that he would get it to heal and told me not to be discouraged, that we haven't lost any ground here.  To hear his confidence reassured me that I am doing the right things for her.  He did say that he would like to do the surgery in the next 3 months so I have scheduled it for July 25th.  We will have to be in Florida for about 10 days.  Her recovery will be a bit more difficult than the last surgery.  She will have to be on crutches or a walker for six weeks, only being able to toe touch with her shorter leg, which should be fun with a 3year old with tons of energy.  She will also be doing physical therapy during those 6 weeks and will have to wear a soft brace. 
  Here are a few updated pictures...

                                                        Love my Sister!

                                              Me and my best friend Gauge!

                                                     Happy Halloween!

                                                       Merry Christmas!

                                                     Yay for spring!

We have been through so much with Madi and we still have a long way to go.  She has such an amazing spirit and I know that she will get through this next surgery with flying colors.   We are so thankful that we have such amazing family and friends who continue to support us through all of this.  We appreciate all of your prayers and ask for your continued prayers as we embark on this next surgery.  To all of our fellow PFFD families, please know that we continue to pray for all of you.  We have gotten so much support and strength from all of you and we couldn't be more grateful for that.  I will keep you all updated as we get closer to surgery.