Specifically, Bridget is having surgery tomorrow early at Children's Hospital in Boston.
You know I don't usually post on Sunday, but I wanted to let you know what's going on here so you can pray! I know that you are all so good at offering prayers for anyone who needs them!
I think that as brain surgery goes, this one isn't too scary, but, you know, it's… brain surgery. No getting around it!
It started when I noticed something off about her back — after months of nagging, “Bridgie, stand up straight!” I thought, hmm…. maybe get this checked out.
The doctor didn't seem too concerned, but she was in pain, feeling ache-y and sore after fiddling or walking.
That's not good, and later the orthopedic surgeon and the neuro-surgeon both said that pain is not usually associated with the normal kind of scoliosis, and that's what tipped the orthopedic surgeon (whom we finally went to see after a chiropractor insisted that we get x-rays) off that maybe there was something more here going on. He sent us along — and, finally, the diagnosis: Chiari malformation with syrinx.
You kind of don't want to look it up if you don't know what it is, because it usually results in a much more serious condition than Bridget has. She's strong and mostly healthy — it's just that her back isn't right.
Bridget with the Bells, a wonderful fiddling family we are privileged to call our friends. Their children also home school. Bridget's fiddle is with Papa, who is off watching caber tossing, his favorite sport after baseball and right up there with hurling. |
Briefly, a lack of room under the cerebellum makes it so that fluid from the brain gets forced into vestigial tubes in the spinal cord, resulting in scoliosis (in her case, acute but limited — above her shoulder blade) that will only get worse if she's not operated on. You can read about Chiari malformation surgery here.
So that's where we'll be. It's a 4-hour surgery and she'll be in the hospital for 4-6 days. I'm very grateful right now that we live very close to Boston and it won't be an issue to be there. You know something funny? A few months ago I thought to myself, “Isn't it weird that with all these kids I've never had to go to Children's?”
Ah, I jinxed it!!!
I can't figure out whether the time in the hospital will make it so I can't blog, or if I'll have nothing to do but sit in her room and knit and chatter away over here. Rosie has some stuff to tell you, and you never know with me, do you? Sometimes the oddest times make me the most chatty 🙂
But if I'm not around you'll know why, and you see now why things have been a little quieter here. As I say, I know you'll keep Bridget in your prayers, and please pray for all the children who are suffering so much, who practically live at Children's, and all the parents who are anxious about them. I know you already do.
I'll surely give you an update shortly! Give all your kids a big kiss! And — Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
Jennie C. says
Praying for your sweet Bridget, a successful and uneventful surgery, and a peaceful heart.
Alice says
Oh my goodness! You are certainly all going to be in my prayers, but of course you will be so especially, Bridget.
I'll be at the hospital tomorrow, too, so I will be particularly reminded of you.
Mrs. Pickles says
Poor Bridget! Poor you! We'll be keeping your family in our prayers especially tomorrow!!
Andrea says
Will definitely keep Bridget and the family in my prayers!!!
Emily says
That sounds scary for you and for Bridget. I'm praying for you all – for peace, no fear, exceedingly good surgeons, and an easy recovery. Thank you for sharing and letting us pray with you.
Emily G says
I will keep Bridget and you in my prayers. I hope everything goes well. It's good that you caught it and it sounds like a mild form of the malformation. I have a close relative who has severe Arnold-Chiari disease and I know it can be much worse.
Betsy M says
Bridget, your family and her doctors will all be in our prayers. God Bless!
MamabearJD says
Dear Bridget, I am lying here getting over a no big deal surgery, and I will be lifting your family and your surgeons up to Our Lady. The day before my surgery I took my daughter, who was especially worried, with me to see our Father for an anointing. It gave us peace in a time of anxiety. I pray for peace for you. And for families with sick children….thank you Leila for the reminder to pray. I feel so weak when I think of suffering children and their families.
Jenny says
One of my first had surgery at our local Children's right before she was 12 weeks old… and that was 4.5 years ago! I'll pray, certainly.
And Deo Gratias for Children's Hospitals everywhere!
Jenny
Sara says
Don't forget your knitting! You can get a lot done at the hospital. Here's to being young, strong, and healthy, and a quick recovery. Bridget and your whole family will be in my prayers.
Debbie says
I'll be praying for Bridget, you and Phil, and all the family. We should arrive in Cambridge on Thursday, so please do not hesitate to ask for any help whatsoever once we are around.
Love,
Debbie
Barbara says
Prayers for Bridget to St. Anthony, to the Blessed Mother, for wise and skillful doctors and quick recovery. Prayers for all for patience and comfort.
Donna Jannuzzi says
I will pray for you, your family and especially Bridget.
Mairzie says
Leila, of course, your Dear Bridget will be in my prayers. God bless.
Dorathea says
Auntie Leila, thank you for sharing this so that we may pray for you. I'll join the prayer warriors and share with my friends so that they may lift y'all up as well, all the way over here in the midwest. Blessings and peace.
Misty says
My prayers are with your family today. God Bless!
Dorathea says
P.S. – Psalm 34. It's been a great comfort to me recently. Five times it says that God delivers His children from their troubles and fears. May the Great Healer bring healing.
Camille says
We will be praying for your family and for the surgeons and doctors for clarity and guidance as they perform the surgery!
Years ago a friend of a friend had a 1 year old who was treated for cancer at the cancer wing of our local Children's hospital. We would go after work to visit with the mother — she was just so thankful for another adult to talk to and we were blessed to provide a distraction.
Rosario says
My prayers are with you and Bridget. Last year my daughter had scoliosis surgery that lasted more than 7 hours. I thank God for all the prayers of friends, family and cyber friends. My daughter is doing so much better and after she never required pain medication. We will be praying for your daughter together.
Rebecca U says
Praying! You'll be very pleased with the care she receives at Children's!
Honor says
Praying for you and your family.
Margo says
absolutely will pray for you all. thanks for asking/telling.
xoxo
Joy says
Praying for Bridget. Thanks for letting us know so we can pray.
Mary says
Leila – Please be assured of our family's prayers for Bridget's surgery and her return to good health. We are no strangers to surgery or Children's Hospital (In DC). No matter how insignificant we think these events are they do take their toll. I pray for peace of mind and spirit and that Miss Bridget retains her good humor and positive attitude. Please keep us informed…blessings and grace to you all…
Sue says
We will all be praying for Bridget, the doctors, and you and your husband (because these things can be hardest on the parents, you know) over here – you can count on it!
Nancy says
Will remember you in prayers this week!
Pippajo says
I'll be praying for you all tomorrow and in the days and weeks ahead: praying for God to guide the surgeons' hands, to protect sweet Bridget, to comfort and encourage you and The Chief while you wait and for a quick and easy recovery!
I remember when we lost our first son and phone calls, emails, letters and voice messages came pouring in from around the country from friends, friends of friends and sometimes even strangers who had heard our story. It was so humbling and encouraging to know that so many people, and some of them total strangers, were lifting us up in prayer! How wonderful that modern technology can be used to bless God's people!
Amy says
Praying for the Bridget, you and your husband, the surgeon and his team. God be with you.
nt12many says
Lord Jesus, I pray for peace for Leila, Bridget and the entire family. Guide the surgeons hands, the anesthesiologist, the nurses and all those involved in this endeavor and grant that Bridget might go on to live many years and to dedicate her life to you in whatever she does. Please strengthen her immune system, multiply her white blood cells to fight infection and give her parents your supernatural peace in all things.
Thank you that this excellent Children's hospital is close, thank you that she was diagnosed fairly quickly and that you have led the family thus far.
We praise you that you hold all things in the palm of your nail-scarred hand. May we all live to praise you no matter what we walk through on this earth.
In your name we pray,
amen.
Jill F. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.generationalwomanhood.wordpress.com
MamaHen says
I will pray for Bridget (and for you too). Let us know when you can how she is doing.
Susan says
My son has a chiari as well although–as I'm sure you know by now–there are many types and his presented in utero along with his spina bifida. He's had a few brain surgeries and has a shunt and I totally get what you mean: it's the simplest brain surgery there is. But still! Many prayers for your family. Surgery and a hospital stay are stressful events no matter what.
Suzanne says
I am sure all will go well with the surgery, but as a mother, I can understand being anxious..look forward to hearing that all has gone well and recovery is quick…Suzanne
Juliana B says
Prayers for Bridget and you all! Lord have mercy. Hope everything goes well.
Grace and peace to you this week.
Cary says
Our prayers will be definitely be with Bridget, you, the surgeons, and all those involved in her care.
Our 14 year old just had her appendix out a couple of weeks ago. That is definitely minor compared to brain surgery, but nevertheless, mothers worry. I will pray for peace and a successful surgery.
Bless you.
Brenda says
There's no getting around the unease you must feel. I really do pray things will go well for your daughter, & I know God will be with you & your family, to soothe your worries.
blessings, Brenda
Lisa G. says
Oh, my – yes. I'm praying!!
Maureen says
We are Children's Hospital Boston regulars and they are wonderful! We have always had fabulous care there. Prayers for Bridget and your family.
Breanna says
Praying here–Rosary. Make the nurses bring her mouth swabbies to dip in ice water if she can't have anything to drink for a while–they're terribly soothing and they generally don't make you nauseated. She looks so sweet in her plaid, by the way!
tracy c. says
I will keep y'all in my prayers this week.
Polly says
Prayers for Bridget for sure! And for you! Having a child undergo surgery is nerve-wracking, I'm sure!I had a major 8-hour spinal surgery at the age of 13 and my parents were a mess. But it was all good! Thank God for surgeons! I will pray for Bridget tomorrow off and on through my tasks of the day. God bless her and you!
Maria says
Prayers for Bridget! May our Dear Lord guide the surgeon's hands and bring her safely through. Your family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah @ ALT says
Praying, absolutely!
priest's wife says
Praying for Bridget! Maybe she could offer up some of her suffering for my mom who will have her thyroid removed tomorrow
Little Dorrit says
We will definitely keep Bridget and the rest of your family in our prayers tomorrow. May God grant her a trouble-free surgery and a swift recovery! God Bless!
Puffin Hen says
Prayers, of course. And much love headed your way. I was nervous when my 2 year old had to have surgery to remove the piece of wood he had stuck up his nose! The puzzle pieces, flower buds and other sundry items had all emerged with a sharp blow but that little sucker wasn't gonna budge for no one but a qualified surgeon! I can use that experience to imagine but a little of your anxiety. I have every confidence this is a tale with a happy ending for you all.God bless you and yours.
Woolly Wanderer says
Promising prayers for Bridget, you and all the family as well as the medical team associated with her care.God BlessSan x
Bobbi says
This sort of brings pause to anyone who's ever said, "It's not like it's brain surgery or anything!" I will indeed be praying…for the wisdom of the fingers of the Drs. doing this brain surgery…and for a painless, mended future back for your beautiful girl!
Nadja says
Will be keeping your daughter in my prayers this week…
Swanski says
I am praying for Bridget and you and your entire family! Take lots of knitting while you sit at the hospital.
Anonymous says
Prayers going up. I know your feelings. My daughter had open heart surgery at age 7. Now she has standard scoliosis and we are praying she will be able to avoid the spinal surgery. This is the child who had a breakdown after my husband's massive disabling stroke at age 51 and she is still in residential treatment. Yeah, I know prayers, too.
Domestic Accident says
Prayers from me last night and today.
Anonymous says
I don't comment very often, but I read every post on this blog. You are so encouraging!I will definitely be praying for Bridget and your entire family.
Kimberlee says
Praying for Bridget here! (and you too, mama)
Crafty P says
Praying for a successful surgery and for you… and Bridget!
jaykaym says
I well know the pit-of-the-stomach fear that goes with your child being in the hospital, even when you know that the risks are small. You and Bridget will be in my thoughts during this time.
Anonymous says
Praying here….
Petra says
Praying for your daughter and your I want to give you a great thankyou for all the good ideas and warm words in your blog. God bless you, greetings from Austria, Petra
Dyan says
Prayers will be sent your way, especially this week.
Josie says
God bless you-we will be praying for dear Bridget!
Anonymous says
Prayers for your family and dear Bridget!Erika
regan says
praying for your sweet girl. we had a scoliosis diagnosis here just last month for my almost 12yo girl. very scary. but not quite to the needing-surgery-extent-and only scary because, well, because we love our children so…and don't ever "want" anything to be wrong! but God is good and merciful and she couldn't possibly be in better Hands!so…prayers for healing. faith. grace and peace. for all of you.
Anne Marie says
Prayers coming your way!
Lori says
Prayers for you, Bridget, and your family.
Anonymous says
Prayers coming for Bridget.
Anne @ Modern Mrs Da says
Praying for Bridget, and the whole family. Can't wait for an update….
BFhelp@gmail.com says
My 10 year old daughter has had two major neurosurgeries. One at 4 mos of age and another at 6 years. It is never easy to watch your children roll into the OR or to deal with recovery. Finding the hospital chapel was top on my list of "things to do" and I spent a lot of quiet, peaceful time there during both surgeries.God, in His mercy, will give you each the fortitude and grace to sustain and heal you. I will be praying.p.s. on the practical side; a high fiber diet post-op will help with the side effects from morphine and being immobilized for long periods. The hospitals don't seem to "get" this as part of recovery, unfortunately.
Christina says
I'm praying for Bridget this morning Leila! With love!
no spring chicken says
You didn't say when she actually was going in. I'm praying…Enjoyed your photos. What a wonderful culture to be immersed in. I just love the clothes, the music, the sport!Blessings, Debbie
CarlynB says
Praying for you all! I hope everything went well.
Lola_P says
Praying for your sweet daughter. Children's Hospital in Boston is the place to go.
Melissa AtLee says
Our prayers are with Bridget and all of you!
Anonymous says
Prayers for Bridget. And you!deb meyers
GLENDA CHILDERS says
I have been away from my computer,so missed this . . . but will add my prayers now for a complete recovery.Fondly,Glenda
Emily says
I don't think we ever met, but I knew Suki and Alice when they started at UChicago and have enjoyed keeping up, somewhat, on your blog. I was struck by this post, not merely because it's about a child undergoing something difficult, but because one of my dissertation advisors and something of a friend has been dealing with chiari for some years now. Her first baby is being delivered by c-section today, and it feels like a special thrill to think of their welcome for this child against the backdrop of an ongoing ailment. Perhaps my comment here is a note of hope – as you say, this condition need not preclude the joys of life. So glad to hear that Bridge is doing well in her recovery!
The Vosslers says
I just saw this as it's been awhile since I checked … so glad it all went well. My husband has the same malformation, although not with the scoliosis. So, we are familiar with all the symptoms! We are so glad it went well … we have contemplated the surgery in the future for him as well.
Wanderingsue says
Wow. So much love for all you guys.
bariatric surgery says
We will also pray for the Bridget and also hope for the better health. God bless Bridget.