Out of Surgery

It is Saturday afternoon here and Sam is in recovery. Surgery went very well and lasted 5 hours. Sam’s gap in his spinal cord was about 1 cm longer than anticipated. The MRI showed it was 2 – 2.5 centimeters. That additional length caused them to get additional cells by going up his other nostril. The additional length may also cause Sam some additional delay (a few more weeks) in feeling some results because there is another centimeter that needs to be bridged. Apparently finding that the gap is somewhat larger has been somewhat common and the metal rods in Sam’s back did not allow a clear MRI picture. That additional length was the only surprise (but not really a surprise to the surgical team). They said the lower ½ of his spinal cord looked good and healthy and ready to accept some nerve growth. Dr Lima also said they found that there was a complete separation of the spinal cord.

We really won’t begin to see change for a few months. It is our hope to see some before Christmas. That would be a great gift!

I just got to see him for a couple minutes. He wanted us to stop asking questions and let him rest. He is aching all over, cold, and thirsty. Both nostrils have packing in them (yuck). If all remains good, they will release him on Sunday morning to go back to our normal room on the 6th floor.

Thank you for your prayers. By all accounts, this phase was a success. Please continue prayer for Sam and his fight with the pain and all the stuff that comes after a big surgery. Pray he keeps his good attitude, humor, and that infections stay away. We will update again as things progress.