FAQ, Part 1

Since we discovered Daryl has scoliosis, concerned friends and family have asked us many questions about his condition. Here are some FAQ, part 1:

What causes scoliosis?

Scoliosis can arise from a number of underlying conditions, but the most common form is idiopathic, which means “cause unknown”. It is a genetic condition and there is ongoing research work on isolating the combination of individual genes that cause scoliosis.

How common is scoliosis?

Idiopathic scoliosis is thought to be present in 2-3% of adolescents. One in five hundred of these will require active treatment and only one in five thousand have curves that progress to the degree where surgery is recommended. Girls and boys are equally affected by small degrees of scoliosis, but girls are eight times more likely than boys to develop progressive curves.

What are the goals of surgery?

The goals of surgery are to prevent further progression of scoliosis and to correct the spine as much as can be done safely. Stopping the progression will prevent the significant health issues later in life that are associated with severe scoliosis, such as breathing trouble, heart and muscle weakness as well as pain.

Ref: http://www.settingscoliosisstraight.org/HSG_Scoliosis_Handbook858.pdf

 

Faith Bigger than Fear

When you love the outdoors as Daryl does, the weekends are often action-packed. And here on our island, this energetic MK has an abundance of choice for fun and adventure:

         1.       Going up to the waterfall

         2.       Hanging out at the lake

         3.       Having fun at the river

         4.       Spending the day at the beach

So, when told that he should take care that he has no open cuts/wounds prior to surgery, it gets a little tricky. This is the boy who got stitches on his foot because he cut it on some barnacles while climbing onto the dock at the beach. This is the boy who got scrapes and scratches from slipping and falling at the waterfall. This is the boy who stepped on a rusty nail while playing by the lake.

Hmmmm… so, how does one make sure he doesn’t hurt himself before December 15? We don’t really have any answers. While we know we need to be careful, we also know we ought not to be fearful. Daryl has shown maturity and wisdom in his judgements thus far, and so we choose to let him make those calls – what he thinks he can or cannot do. We talk about pros and cons and assess the risks involved in his weekend activities; and we are delighted that he has been making wise choices. Nonetheless, we ask that you please continue to pray with us that the Lord protects him and keeps him strong and healthy in these days leading up to his operation…

Isaiah 41:10:   So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will 

                        strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.