Follow-up appointment

Today was a follow-up appointment from last week of the fluid collection. I am happy to report that it is now completely gone and Dr. Beebe is very pleased with Allie's progress.

Many have asked questions about the instrumentation and whether she will have physical therapy. Dr. Beebe laughed at us when we asked if he stopped at the hardware store and picked up some rebar and deck screws. This picture is from the Medtronics website and I assume this is what is in Allie's back now.






As for physical activity, she is still very limited. She is not allowed to lift anything and cannot even do arm exercises/strength training for her shoulders and upper back. Dr. Beebe explained that in order to access her spine he had to cut through the trapezius muscle. It was then sewn back together. This will take time to heal. Allie will have to be cautious that she isn't straining this muscle and causing separation before it is completely healed.


Her incision (which is pretty much the length of her back) looks great but it still has some scabs on it. She will not be able to go in a pool or even have her back to the shower until the scabs are gone. Once the scabs are gone, she will still have to wait until Dr. Beebe clears her to do any type of swimming--she will be able to get in the water but will be limited to what she does with her arms and upper body.

School starts 4 weeks from today. She has a note to go back for part days--she may not need it. She will not be in gym class until Dr. Beebe clears it. She cannot carry her books and will be excused from her classes early (with a friend who will carry her books) to navigate the hall with the least amount of being run into. Hmm, I wonder if she will have any volunteers to help her...