When realized that our son was going to live with a life long health condition, spina bifida, I was deeply concerned about his future.
Many questions passed through my mind about his health and the risks of his condition.
His neurosurgeon said that a myelomeningocele can usually be surgically corrected. But of course, that involved some risks. "What are they?" I asked. But he gave kind of an incomplete answer. There was this hesitation. We just had to wait and see.
Slowly we came to an understanding that neurological damage could occur during spine surgery. Neurological damage is often irreversible.
On the other hand, we were relieved to learn that with proper treatment, length of life is not severely affected.
New problems within the spinal cord can develop later in life, especially after the child begins growing rapidly during puberty. This can lead to more loss of function as well as orthopedic problems such as scoliosis, foot or ankle deformities, dislocated hips, and joint tightness or contractures.
Many patients with myelomeningocele primarily use a wheelchair.
- Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine, Last reviewed: September 21, 2011.
Our son is now turning 13. He has gone through two spine surgeries and one foot surgery to overcome the pulling of his foot inward. Things are going well so far. He still walk naturally with orthopedics shoes inserts. We pray everyday for his wellness. We feel that we are blessed.
Updated 06/07/2013
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