Beginning of the Correction

At Travis' first appointment at Shriners in Oct 2010, Shriners discussed 2 procedures to correct Travis' left leg knock-knee (straighten his left leg) and leg length discrepancy. The first correction would address Travis' left leg knock-knee, straighten the leg at the knee using an 8-plate. The second correction would be to shut down the growth plate on the left leg. These surgeries would be timed surgeries depending on the angle of knock-knee and discrepancy. We selected an available surgery date at the end of June (after the golf tournament) and added T's name to the short notice list in case of a cancellation.

Friday morning I received a call that they had a cancellation with Dr. Santora (Travis' orthopedic doctor) for this morning, Monday, June 1st. This date worked great with our schedules, so this morning brought Travis' 3rd surgery in 11 months, thankfully a non-emergency surgery. We arrived at Shriners at 6:30 this morning for an 8:30a surgery start.

Travis and Winter at Shriners before surgery

Travis understood today's surgery would be less involved than the femur fracture repairs. The Child Life Specialist brought him an iPad and we really didn't hear much from Travis after that. He found several new games to add to his iPad. Various doctors, nurses, and medical staff entered the room for the routine exams, questions, and forms. Travis knows the drill and handled everything like a champ. Our friend Jean arrived at the hospital and we shared details from fun events over the weekend while Scott got Nolan and Barrett off to school.

Travis playing iPad while Mike Pond performs a pre-operative exam

Travis received pre-op medicine around 8:10a and soon enough the time arrived to head to the holding room.We talked with Dr. Santora in the holding room about the surgery and Travis' golf tournament (Dr Santora played). I don't think Travis ever stopped playing on the iPad during this time. A hug and kiss from us and Travis headed to the OR at 8:40a, still playing the iPad.

Travis playing the iPad while heading to the OR

We met up with Jean and all headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Around 9:35a our pager lit up and we headed to Travis' room to meet with Dr. Santora and Mike Pond. Travis' surgery went great and they discussed post-op information. To help support Travis' left leg and comfort, they put a knee immobilizer on Travis' leg. Travis wears the brace during active times (walking using a walker) and can take it off during rest times. Travis returned the room around 10:45a, somewhat awake/asleep.

Travis sleeping back in the room

Travis woke up several times throughout the morning, each time frustrated with the leg brace. He thought the brace meant that the incision was bigger than the small incision we talked about, definitely makes sense. Mike Pond checked on Travis later, he's such a great, caring person. You can see the smile on his face that comes from helping Travis, and all his patients.

When Travis returned to the room, our friend Jean had left and another friend Pat joined us. Travis took one look at Pat and stated, "Where's Vanitta?" Vanitta works Jean and Pat at Christ United Methodist Church, much of her time in children's ministries, and had knee surgery in May. Way too funny. We all got a good laugh, especially Pat.

Travis finally felt good enough to eat Oreos (no surprise there) and drink. One of the physical therapists stopped by to show Travis (and us) how to move around, really not much different than before, and exercises to do to help keep Travis' range of motion. Travis returns to see Mike Pond and Dr. Santora on Jun 10th for an incision check.

Travis waking up to Oreos, no surprise

Travis and I arrived home shortly before 3p and T even felt well enough to walk using the walker a little way around the house. :) Yea for feeling this good at home the day of the surgery.

Travis finishes 2nd grade this Friday, so he may feel up to going to school for a little while later this week. He continues to amaze us all. Thank you for the prayers, well wishes, texts, and support today. They truly helped carry us through the day.