Surgery scheduled

We learned this week that Elijah will be having surgery on April 18 to again de-rotate his left tibia and transfer a tendon to prevent further recurrence of the club foot. The orthopedic surgeon said he thought is was necessary now because Elijah has started to walk a little, but is held back by the turned foot. He is concerned that waiting could cause damage from walking too long on the side of his soft-boned foot.

The plan is to balance the unopposed tendon on the inside of the foot by splitting it and connecting it to the outside of the foot. This will presumably stop the inward pull that has caused all his problems since before birth.

We were also advised to have a urologist perform the circumcision that was put off at Elijah's birth as long as he is under anesthesia anyway.

Some prayer requests:

• Overcoming Elijah's natural fear of the things he will be experiencing. For the first time he told us he was scared when we went to the Gillette clinic.
• For the hunger situation. The surgery is scheduled for early in the morning, but first we have to make the 100-mile trip without breakfast.
• For pain issues. The leg surgery is less of a concern because of the lack of sensation he has in his lower legs. The companion surgery will likely cause some longer-term discomfort.
• Logistics (sleep, ambulation, recreation) during 5-6 weeks of casting (above the knee to the toe).
• For the broader schedule that follows for the family, including a pastors-and-wives getaway we have had on the calendar for awhile. We want to be wise about our choice of either skipping the event, leaving Elijah with the older kids or taking him along.

We are ever aware of how blessed we are. Elijah is doing great. Thanks for your concern.

Blessings,
Steve