Jackson on the Giraffe Floor at Children's Hospital
Here is the final update before Jackson
Guan Yi Atwood's surgery. As many of you know, Jackson has a birth defect called
Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). His
PFFD was more than likely caused by restriction of necessary nerve and bone development in
utero as a result of very mild spinal
bifida in his lower two vertebra. As a result, Jackson's left femur is only about 2" long. He also has no head on his left femur, which means that his hip muscle mass is the only thing keeping his left leg in place. Although this all sounds very ominous, Jackson is a very outgoing, happy and energetic kid. He is very excited to get his "Robot Leg". We will be staying at
Children's Hospital in Seattle during Jackson's surgery. We have been so impressed with this facility and the care and love that the Doctors and staff show for kids. We really are very lucky to have such an outstanding facility here in the Pacific Northwest.
Here is the timeline:
Wednesday, Dec. 5- Back at Children's for limb deficiency clinic, renal ultrasound (to rule out kidney problems as a result of spinal bifida), more x-rays, anesthesia clinic, & prosthetic clinic. Busy day. We will be staying the night in Seattle (in a hotel with an indoor pool, so Jackson can go swimming one last time before the body cast).
Thursday, Dec. 6- 7:30 am surgery. Jackson's left little femur will be fused to his knee and the tibula and fibula will also be fused to the knee creating a new long femur. Then his left foot will be amputated. They will keep his heel pad and that will become the base of his new residual limb (PC term for stump :). The surgery takes 4-hours. He will then be put into a body case, where he will be positioned at a 45 degree angle to stretch the tendons from the knee. We will be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days.
January 16th- Jackson will have his cast removed and he will be placed is a shrinking sock. This will reduce the swelling on the residual limb and allow the prosthetic designers to make a mold of the limb about two weeks later.
Two-Weeks Later- A casting is taken of him limb. We work with the technicians to design a limb with components that will best meet Jackson's super high energy needs.
4-weeks Later- The limb is ready. Jackson will get his new "Robot Leg". We will than made multiply trip back and forth to Children's for additional fitting's and limb alignment.
Then for 3-6 months...Jackson will undergo intensive physical therapy to learn to walk again using his prosthetic. He is a fast learner and has remarkable gross motor skills, so we are optimistic that he will have quick mastery of his new leg.
Well, I hope this answers many of your questions. We have been so surprised and moved by the outpouring of love and support for our family this year. Thank you! Please feel free to drop us a line with questions and words of strength.
We love and appreciate all of you!!!
Thankfully, Santa makes house-calls. (Thank you Robyn and Tom)
Jackson and Lilly in front of our tree. 
Jackson got right to "work" playing with his news toys. We actually had to take three breaks during the morning so he could play and re-group. The concept of receiving so many fun things at one time was a bit overwhelming for him...but he did great. He is such a little boy...matchbox cars, Stars Wars Mr. Potato heads and of course, a laser gun! Put them all together, you have big fun.
Thankfully, Santa makes house-calls. (Thank you Robyn and Tom)
Jackson and Lilly in front of our tree. 
Jackson got right to "work" playing with his news toys. We actually had to take three breaks during the morning so he could play and re-group. The concept of receiving so many fun things at one time was a bit overwhelming for him...but he did great. He is such a little boy...matchbox cars, Stars Wars Mr. Potato heads and of course, a laser gun! Put them all together, you have big fun.
