Shriners Children's Hospital was able to move E.R.'s intake appointment up to Sept. 16. Chris, J.T. and I took her. We were there for almost 3 hours. It was amazing to finally be there. 12 months after she was brought to Layla House, run by Adoption Advocates International, and 10 months after we received the telephone call that would intersect our lives with hers forever, she was sitting in the hospital waiting room to begin the medical intervention that was part of the reason that she was referred for adoption in the first place.
We have heard nothing but amazing stories about Shriners, so it was fun to sort of become part of the Shriners' family.
E.R. met the surgeon, had X-rays, had her picture taken, met the prosthetist, and got to see what her new foot will look like. We aren't sure how much of it she understood, but Chris and I got more information about what her life will be like than we had before. The Shriners staff was as amazing as everyone said. They all loved on our little ones - even J.T. who was just along for the ride!
So at this point, E.R. is scheduled for surgery to amputate the foot that she has on her left leg. This will allow her to be able to wear a prosthetic foot/ankle, and it will take away the pain she now feels at the base of her leg bone (which is where she bears her weight now). She will be in the hospital for about 3 days, and then will need to remain off her legs for about 2 weeks after that. From there the prosthetic process will start.
E.R. shut down emotionally for a bit after the appointment. She stopped talking, and her eyes were a bit frozen again. She doesn't like people looking at her foot, and as subtle as everyone was, it was obvious to her that was why we were there. Thankfully she came out of it pretty quickly at her grandparent's house. Thanks to Poppy (beloved grandpa), Grandma (who was with her in Ethiopia), and McDonald's french fries (probably needs no explanation).
She is on the wait list in case there is an opening for surgery before Nov. 16, but we are assuming that will be her date. It will be exactly 12 months after we agreed to be her family!
I have decided to write about the process as we go through it, so stay tuned...
1 comment:
We're very excited that the process is underway there - and sorry we can't be closer to help as it happens. We will be praying for you all as you go through this -- we're so excited for her (and you) to start a new phase experiencing a new foot!
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