Doing Well & Surgery #2

Charlotta continues to amaze us with her recovery. In the last few weeks, she's been swimming, playing basketball, riding her bike, and more. There's not too much she can't do, and a few things she's not supposed to do (contact sports, amusement rides). On August 2, we go back to her surgeon for a check up. I think he will be very pleased with her progress.

Hands up if you're an Olympic superstar!
(at the Sliding Centre in Whistler, where we went for a short holiday).

It's a good thing she's recovered so well from the back surgery, because now we have another (minor) surgery on the horizon. We had an appointment with Charlotta's neurologist at the beginning of July, and at that time we decided that we wanted to go ahead with the Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS). As I've mentioned before, this is a small device (about the size of a key fob) that is implanted under her armpit, and is wired to the vagal nerve which runs up the side of her neck into her brain. The VNS gives an electrical charge to the vagal at certain intervals (the level of the charge and the time between the intervals can be adjusted remotely by the nurse). This consistent impulse to the brain can reduce the number and intensity of seizures, and can also have the added effect of helping the child be more alert and engaged overall.

Luckily, the nurse was able to schedule our VNS surgery in soon: August 9. It's just day surgery and will take about 1-2 hours (piece of cake!), and Charlotta will come home that night. Once the device is implanted, we go back to the hospital about 2 weeks later for it to be turned on. After that, we'll have regular visits back to the hospital as they "ramp up" the intensity and frequency of the impulses. It should take about 2 to 3 months to have the VNS up to the appropriate strength for Charlotta, and after that there is always room for tweaking.

Steve and I are really excited about this device and what it might mean in terms of reducing her seizures as well as some of the "static" that seems to be going on in her brain. Cross your fingers and wish us luck that it all goes well!

Back to Normal

This weekend was the first time it really felt like summer -- the sun was out, the temperature was above 20 degrees C (!) and we went to the beach. While Steve and Jack waxed up the skim board and took it for a skoot on some of the tidal puddles, Charlotta dug in the sand and Ashley did her best mermaid impression.

The first of many beach days at White Rock beach.

Mermaid Ashley

I'm happy to report that no chiropractor appointments were made as a result of this activity.

While I did help Charlotta over some of the rocks in order to get to the sandy beach, she was pretty independent once we got down there and was getting up and down from the sand by herself. Almost back to normal! We actually have our first appointment with the physiotherapist this coming Tuesday, so I'd like to get her opinion on Charlotta's posture and what we can do to help her develop better posture after surgery and not fall into bad slouching habits. At the moment Charlotta's shoulders are at different heights, and I think with some therapy we can get her to hold her shoulders straight and square.

Ashley left today with her Oma for a week-long trip to Thetis Island (off of Chemainus on Vancouver Island). They are attending a camp complete with bunk houses, a dining hall, sandy beach and fun activities. Here at home, Charlotta and Jack will be going to a morning day camp at our local church. Steve's home on holidays this week (but working on painting the house), but I'm the lone one who has to work (cue the violins... ). I am off on holidays next week though!