Processing

Today we are processing lots of new information concerning our various options for Eli.  There has been a medical trial going on since Feb. of 2003 to repair spinal lesions through prenatal surgery.  The trial just ended and the journal was just published in Feb. of this year.  All of the information is new and quite overwhelming.  Basically, they had two groups of participants, some of who had surgery done between 19 and 26 weeks and then another group who had repair surgery following delivery around 37 weeks.  They compared their findings at 12 months and then again at 30 months. 

The intrauterine surgery involves opening the mother up...I was thinking C-section but was told it was a good bit larger.  They remove the unborn baby, placing it on the mother's stomach, while leaving the placenta and all intact.  They repair the sight on the baby and then return the baby back inside it's mommy's tummy for another 10-12 weeks (hopefully) to grow.  Doesn't that just sound.....I do not even have words!!!!  Maybe incredible, exciting, amazing....until it is your belly and your baby!!!!

There are definite risks involved to both baby and mother.  This surgery is offered in three locations in the US.  The closest to us would be at Vanderbuilt.  We would have to travel for a consult and lots of tests and then if all went well and we qualified, we'd have the surgery and remain there for two weeks. 

We have lots of questions and concerns, but most of all we are praying for wisdom so that we can discern what God would have us do.  We want to make the best decision for Eli so that he can have the best quality of life that we can offer him. We have to decide in the next 3 weeks.  Whew!!!

My dad sent me this link.  It is a very one of the more hopeful and optimistic outcomes.  I tried to post the video and couldn't so here is the link if you are intersted.


http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/surgery-womb-spina-bifida-prenatal-cure-experimental-birth-deffect-12879423

Julie