Monday 12/19/11

Surgery went very well today, the shunt is now unable to drain any spinal fluid.  Tomorrow is the spinal tap and that test will tell the story.  The dr came in this afternoon, and Cindy isn't looking forward to the spinal tap at all, which he knows.  He told her instead of using the harpoon he did last week, he'll just use a small needle this time.  But I've been with her several times when she's had this procedure done and those needles are never very small, but last week's was pretty large!

We are so praying that this test will show within the normal range.  That would mean her body is no longer making too much spinal fluid and she wouldn't need the shunts anymore. Although they wouldn't be removing them yet, it would be great to not have to deal with them anymore and  they can be removed at some later date.  If the test shows elevated pressure, Cindy would need to have one more small surgery to get the anti-siphoning device put in and open up the shunt tube again.  Also, if the test is normal, we can come home if we can find any availability on any airlines and we are anxious to get home!!

I do need to say that our experience here has been so very positive.  Everyone has been kind from the people in the hotels to all the nurses and everyone at the hospital.  The drs here deal with issues like Cindy's every day so they aren't afraid of working with her, and they will get her better any way they can. 

Please pray for good test results tomorrow!
Thanks again so much for all your thoughts and prayers,
Kathy