ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY WEEK

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY WEEK

In October I was so blessed to get the opportunity to work along Dr. Del again. Dr. Del is an Orthopedic Surgeon out of Phoenix, AZ who has been coming to the mission long before I started coming. This year when he arrived there was over 150 people on the waiting list for surgery. Sunday we did screened and evaluated all the patients and he filled his schedule. Sadly many people have to wait another year as there is not time to do everyone in a week. I love orthopedic surgery week because many of my kids get life changing surgeries but also because Dr. Del always takes the time to teach me new things and skills.

I had the wonderful opportunity to watch a few surgeries even though it was a super busy week with lots of other stuff going on.  Sad I didn't get to spend as much time as I like with Del but thankful for the time I did get. 

Dr. Del is also the surgeon who has taught me to do the clubfoot casting on babies and young children which prevents them from needing a major clubfoot surgery later in life. He financially supports and helps get the supplies to keep that clinic going. This past year we were able to prevent 10 kids from needing surgery!!!! Below are a few of those success stories! We had 4 children get Tenotamy's this year. I try really hard to be present each morning 1 of the kids are scheduled for surgery no matter how busy the day it. Help them get checking in, get showered, pray with them and to check back in with them throughout the day. I love the chance to pour into these families on a scary day.

After there Tenotamy they are ready to move to the Boots and Bar

 

The therapy team rotated who spent what day helping in surgery. They had the opportunity to watch surgeries which was a fun learning experience for them. They were also responsible for helping teach patients who needed walkers or crutches how to use them and make sure they were safe with them before they left. When equipment was not available that was needed they had to get creative and make it with PVC!

BELOW ARE PICTURES OF A FEW OF THE KIDS SURGERY JOURNIES

This young man had spina bifida as a child. His back ended up closing on its on after 4 years. As surgery was not available to him when he needed it. He wanted badly to stand and walk but due to tendon contracture of his feet he was unable to get flat footed. After surgery he was able to STAND. We built him a PVC pipe stander to practice standing daily.  When his casts come off he will be placed in AFO foot braces and start learning to walk. Talk about a life changing surgery!

Evaluation DAY

THE DAY OF SURGERY

Jason has been apart of the clubfoot casting program since he was a baby. October 2016 he had a tendon release after he finished casting. Unfortunately his feet were resistant and this October he had the full clubfoot surgery. Thankfully he is doing well. He has such a dedicated and loving family who have sacrificed to make sure he gets and has the best.