Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Daniel's Hip Surgery

Today we found out that Daniel will be having his hip reconstruction surgery in the USA on 11 January. The procedure is called the SUPERhip procedure. SUPER actually stands for Systematic Utilitarian Procedure for Extremity Reconstruction.

Shane and I submitted an application to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK for Dr Dror Paley from the USA to perform the procedure. Dr Paley is the world leader in limb reconstruction has performed over 150 of these surgeries. The NHS agreed that the best outcome is for Daniel to have the surgery in the US and has agreed to fund it.

The surgery will take place at St Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach in Florida, USA. Daniel will be in hospital for 3 days and we will be able to fly home to the UK about 2 weeks after the surgery.

Daniel will be in an external fixator for about 3 months followed by a plaster cast and physical therapy.

We have mixed emotions at the moment. On one hand we are ecstatic that Daniel's hip will be operated on by the world's best but on the other hand we have all the fears expected when your little boy has to undergo significant surgery. But, we have Christmas coming up and we are going to make sure Daniel and his little brother Max have a fantastic Christmas.

We will keep you up to date on Daniel's surgery and recovery next month.

In the meantime, we thank you for your support in 2009 and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Posted By Kristen (Daniel's Mum)

5 comments :

roschel moore said...

that is great news with such a great surgeon i am sure eveything will turn out great. Good luck our thoughts are with you. Have a safe and merry christmas. roschel

Unknown said...

It's going to be better than fine. We'll all be here when you get back.
Best of all, it is not snowing in Florida!

Brad said...

Brilliant news that it is now all locked in - including with the world's best - and that NHS will fund it too. Our thoughts are with you guys and we are sure it will be a positive outcome. All the very best to you all for the Christmas and New Year too. Brad, Al & Zach. xx

Wendy said...

Kristen and Shane, you must feel relieved to finally have a firm date for Dan's hip surgery. We understand completely your mixed emotions; making these kinds of decisions on behalf of one's child is never easy.

The Gershevitch family will be thinking of you all on January 11 and over the following weeks and months. In the meantime, try to relax and have a wonderful Christmas together.

Love to you all,

Wendy, Conrad, Tomas and Eleanor

Dave Bailey said...

Happy New Year. Just read about Daniel's upcoming surgery, not long now! All the very best, take care.