It’s been a while since we updated the blog, so for that I apologize. We find ourselves updating Facebook so frequently these days, but know that many of you follow Tristan’s story here…so without further ado let me update you on our brave little man.
Tristan is now 7 1/2 and in 2nd grade and he is now approximately at the 1/2 way mark of his journey. We switched last April from VEPTRs to growing rods.
This was a difficult transition, as the removal of the old and placement of the new were done in the same day and included a cadaver bone fusion. The recovery took quite a bit more time, but our champ once again pulled through. However, again Tristan had some superficial infections (what seemed to be our new normal) that then required a clean-out surgery at our local hospital here in Michigan a few weeks later.
Due to the bone fusion Tristan was restricted on activities from April - November. It was difficult asking him not to ride his bike for several months and to restrict him from running and wrestling. To say that Tristan was elated when the restrictions were finally gone would be a great understatement.
This was a difficult transition, as the removal of the old and placement of the new were done in the same day and included a cadaver bone fusion. The recovery took quite a bit more time, but our champ once again pulled through. However, again Tristan had some superficial infections (what seemed to be our new normal) that then required a clean-out surgery at our local hospital here in Michigan a few weeks later.
Due to the bone fusion Tristan was restricted on activities from April - November. It was difficult asking him not to ride his bike for several months and to restrict him from running and wrestling. To say that Tristan was elated when the restrictions were finally gone would be a great understatement.
As of December, Tristan had his 12th spinal hardware surgery and the 1st of the growing rod expansions. Becky requested that the doctor try a different stitch-up procedure this time. Previously the stitches were dissolvable and were causing irritation post-op in an area with tremendous scar tissue. Becky asked if external stitches were feasible and the doctor agreed to try it. Tristan had ZERO redness, irritation or infection and all I had to do was snip the stitches a few weeks later. (Don’t worry a family friend who is a medical doctor also came by and looked at the site.) It was a wonderful thing to have a surgery go so smoothly and see Tristan bounce back so quickly. We know this is all due to the vast amounts of prayers that accompany Tristan on this journey and a God who graciously hears our call.
Next surgery is scheduled for August 3rd in Philadelphia. The doctor is trying to push Tristan an extra two months this time (normally we go every six months.) We are slightly nervous as to how uncomfortable this will be for Tristan, but trust for another uneventful procedure. We will again post on Facebook and here to let everyone know his situation.
We also wanted to let you know about an amazing fundraiser event that some friends have put together for Tristan. As you can imagine, Tristan’s surgeries are expensive. Fortunately, the insurance does pick up quite a bit, but with the surgeries out-of-state we don’t qualify for Michigan’s medical insurance for children with special needs. This means quite a bit comes out of pocket, in addition the travel expenses (airfare, hotel, and food) adds up quickly in a major metro-city that is why this event is so helpful. Click on the link below if you are interested in getting involved in this great day to celebrate our brave boy.
Family Fun-Raising Night with Tristan West
We know so many of you pray for Tristan on a regular basis and ask that you please continue these prayers and also encourage you to share Tristan’s story with those who need a faith boost. We know without a doubt that our Lord has guided each step on this journey.
God Bless You All,
Adam West (Becky, Addison, Tristan, and Emerson)
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