Another Surgery

We knew it would have to be done . . . and the time has now come. Two weeks from today Joy will have one more surgery. Exactly two years ago Joy underwent her first of three surgeries on both hips and one knee. Both of her femur bones were severed, and a small wedge of bone was used from each one to repair her dislocated hips. Three screws were then inserted into her femurs to hold the broken bones together. The bones are completely healed, yet the screws have remained while Joy has worked on strength and mobility. However, the screws now need to be removed in order to avoid potential problems in the case of any necessary surgeries in the future.

This is an out patient procedure which should only take a couple of hours. Yet, it is always hard to watch your baby wheeled away knowing that her little body is about to be invaded. Our doctor will cut back through the previous incisions made on the sides of both thighs to remove the screws. The aftermath will be incision care of which we are not strangers. And then there is the scar care including nightly massage and tubs of Aquaphor. Joy will probably be sore for a couple of weeks, but we pray that she is up and about as quickly as possible. The good news is that she won't come out of surgery in a spica cast!

She knows that she is having surgery again soon, and she talks about it very matter of factly. She is two years older now, and she completely understands everything. She doesn't seem anxious about it, but she has expressed a little bit of uncertainty. We simply have another opportunity to point our hearts to the One who holds us in His capable, loving hands. We recently read the story of Daniel as well as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. What great stories of courage in the face of trials! Joy memorized Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and brave. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He will never desert you." I pray that she will know deep within her soul that God's promises are true, and He is always faithful!