Post-op

     The last few months have not gone quite as we planned.  Rebecca had her surgery in February.  She had a difficult recovery.  She started experiencing strange symptoms.  After several doctors' visits, lots of tests, and a few more hospitalizations, we found out that Rebecca has some degree of postural orthostatic  tachycardia syndrome (POTS).  This is a condition that many teenage girls get, especially after surgery or trauma or a growth spurt.  The condition causes people to have problems keeping the blood circulating to their brains normally. The blood pools in their feet and their hearts race to try to move the blood back to the brain when they stand up. They experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and weakness.  Fortunately, with exercise, salt supplements, and lots of extra fluids, the condition can be improved and most people outgrow it in early adulthood.  Rebecca has missed a lot of school.  She chose to participate in an inpatient physical rehabilitation program at Primary Children's Hospital.  She made a lot of progress, but got the flu while being in the hospital.  While she was sick, the physicians could not allow her into the physical therapy gym, so it was determined that she would have to go home.  We went home and since then she has been able to return to school almost full-time.  It is has been challenging, but it is great that she is feeling much better and we are all back at home.
   

Home again

Rebecca had her surgery on Monday.  She had a bit of a rough time, but she is doing quite well now.  She will still have to take it easy for a while.  Primary Children's Hospital is wonderful.  Becca even got to see two of the therapy dogs, which was really fun. We are happy to be home now and thankful for all the help and prayers for our family.

January

Sylvia in Julia's dollhouse!

     We have been enjoying settling into our house here in southern Utah.  We have enjoyed having family fairly close and having a Christmas visit from my parents.  Rebecca was very excited to get a sewing machine for Christmas.  She has worked on quilting with David's mom and is working on a lap quilt with the Young Women in our ward.  Elliana enjoyed getting the Lego Friends mall, which she really likes to play with.  Julia got the huge doll house above, that she and her sisters play Barbies with.  If they run out of dolls, Sylvia is happy to climb in the dollhouse.  She can climb in herself.  The little garage below her has swinging doors and she has tried to close herself in there.  Fortunately, she is too big to fit!  Sylvia got a doll stroller and Duplo circus set.  She also got a coloring book and jumbo crayons that she LOVES to use.  She is very serious about her coloring. 

     David just started classes and is getting very excited to start flying.  He has been awaiting his certification from the FAA, but it should be arriving anytime.  

     Julia just turned seven and had fun celebrating with rainbow party decorations and both sets of grandparents.  She also was happy to get her own Lego Friends cruise boat.  Julia is learning to read and is taking a dance class.  She has lots of energy!

     Elliana has been doing pretty well.  Her arthritis bothers her sometimes, but she has a great physical therapist.  Some of the time she has even been able to take a cheer class.  When she is feeling well, she loves to do cartwheels and bounce around all over the house.  Elli has a very nice teacher and is having fun with her friends from school.

     Rebecca did a lot of research for her school's science fair.  She is also learning lots in her math class and is enjoying playing violin in the school orchestra.  

     Unfortunately, Becca has had neck and back pain since before Christmas break.  Through prayer, MRI's, and seeing lots of doctors, we were able to find out what the problem is.  Rebecca has a Chiari Malformation.  This occurs when the back part of the brain is too large to fit in the skull and starts to put pressure near the spine.  She will be having surgery in one week at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.  The surgery will be done by a neurosurgeon and she will be in the hospital for at least a few days.  My mom and David's parents will be helping with the younger girls.  We appreciate prayers and will keep everyone posted.