The time is drawing near

Evelyne had a spinal appointment this week. We have been plodding along since last winter with the current brace, but can tell she is growing more uncomfortable. Evie has had a few issues with redness and pressure on the point of her kyphosis, and occasionally issues with pain, but it's been pretty non-eventful. Every time we see the specialist we get asked "...and how old is she now?"... with the underlying question being "is she old enough for growing rods yet?". This time was no different, however, I think I knew that now Evie is aged 6 we are getting closer. 

They first mentioned surgery when she was 3, and we have persisted in casts and braces for the past 3 years to try to hold off until she is bigger. Basically, the older/bigger they are, the less complications and the more successful the surgery.

The specialist is wanting to try another brace design first, to see if we can hold off slightly longer, however it looks like surgery will be in the near future rather than the distant future. In his words "I'd rather put growing rods in an 8 yr old than a 6 yr old, however we have done well to be putting them in a 6 yr old rather than a 4 yr old". We have a brace review at the end of January to discuss options for a new design which might help, however it is clear surgery is not too far away.

Evie, brace free, with her cousin Lydia

One positive is that it looks like she is eligible for Magec rods - magnetic growing rods. This means she will not have to have surgery every 6 months, but the rods can be lengthened via magnets. I wrote about it here over 3 years ago when I heard of it, hoping it may be an option for Evie. 

I am nervous for what the future holds, but I trust our specialist and his experience, and I am happy with how long we have managed to delay surgery so far.