Friday, April 3, 2009

Surgery Update: Status 1

Greetings:
Good News! Amy's family has just met with the surgeon to inform us that the surgery went fine. She went in around 7:30am (K.C. time) and was out by 9am-- quicker than expected. The surgeon, Dr. O'boynick, said that-- per the typical procedure for this condition-- a small part of the base of her skull was shaved away as well as a portion of her C1 vertebrae. A membrane made from cow cells is then put over this area as a kind of patch. This is all done to allow the brain tonsils which are currently getting crammed into her vertebrae enough room to not interfere with her body's neurological functioning. The Dr. said they looked behind these tonsils to make sure that her spinal fluids were flowing correctly and they were. (One symptom of the Chiari malfunction can be blockage of the spinal flow which, thankfully, Amy does not have.) She has approximately a 6" incision at the base of her skull and top of her neck indoctrinating her in the world of "Zipperheads"! lol

Currently she is in the intensive care unit and is doing fine. She will be in the ICU for a day or two to monitor her.

The family and hospital staff is asking visitors to please respect the Dr.'s wishes and give Amy the rest and solitude that she needs. Once Amy is home she may be up for visitors, but right now she needs to focus her energy on getting healthy. The surgeon mentioned that she may be able to come home as early next week.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers, energy, and well-wishes.
Love,
Shawn (her brother) & Pat (her husband)
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16 comments:

  1. Jennifer LaraApril 3, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    That is so wonderful to hear! My family and I are keeping you all in our prayers!

    Jenn & Willie Lara
    Connie Dudziak

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  2. AnonymousApril 3, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    That's great news! Hope she has a speedy recovery!

    --Dave Jones

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  3. Kristina BrewerApril 3, 2009 at 10:14 AM

    We will continue to keep you all in our prayers...glad to hear that everything went well. Looking forward to more post of her recovery.

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  4. AnonymousApril 3, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    Thank goodness the surgery went well and she is moving forward to recovery. Thank you for keeping all of us updated on her status! I am sure I am not the only one who has been checking all morning.

    Lynn Middleton

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  5. Heather OttoApril 3, 2009 at 10:53 AM

    That is the greatest news I've heard in a long time. Amy - you are truly a blessing to everyone you meet and I admire your strength, courage and drive!!!!!! Hope you are up for visitors soon! Much love and continued prayers

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  6. laylablooApril 3, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    Shawn and Pat-
    Thank you SO much for the quick update. PLEASE keep the updates coming as the prayers are as well.

    ~
    Darci

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  7. Marci MulloyApril 3, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Continuing to pray for Amy and for all of you..
    Marci Mulloy (Friend of Amy's cousin Dawn)

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  8. AnonymousApril 3, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    glad to hear she is doing well. Thanks for the update and i wish and her family a quick recovery.

    Jeep

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  9. Tracy C.April 3, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    Wonderful news! We have been thinking about her & praying for her all day! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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  10. rasikaApril 3, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    Oh Amy..i'm so glad to hear surgery went well! I'm thinking of you and will continue to pray for you as you regain your strength! Thank you so much for the update and please keep us posted!

    Love Rasika (friend from SMW Class of 1995)

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  11. Alyssa JordanApril 4, 2009 at 6:49 AM

    I have been praying for Amy and family, her surgery and a speedy recovery...As long as I have known Amy she has shown such tremendous strength. God Bless you and thanks for the update Shawn and Pat.

    Take care,
    Alyssa

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  12. AnonymousApril 4, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    What great news that the surgery went well! I'm praying for Amy's recovery and strength in the upcoming days. Many prayers for both sides of the family too!

    Love, Stacy (Blake) Miller

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  13. UnknownApril 4, 2009 at 4:00 PM

    Hi Patrick. Dave & Marian Stephen sending you hugs & love from Salt Lake City. I just learned a ton from reading Amy's blog. What an amazing lady she must be! Joining all of you in prayer for her total recovery. Marian

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  14. carreen blankenshipApril 4, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    I am so glad to hear everything went well! I was thinking about you all day yesterday:) I am continuing to pray for a speedy recovery, so you can quickly get back to your husband and girls. Many blessings on your recovery!!!

    love ya, carreen

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  15. Molly SimpsonApril 4, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    Continuing to pray for Amy and all the family. I hope her recovery is as smooth and swift as the surgery was!
    Blessings--Molly Simpson

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  16. BrentApril 14, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    I hope your recovery is going well! You are in our prayers.

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