Day 2 After Rod Surgery

 Day 2 After Rod Surgery

This picture was taken two days after Alex’s spinal fusion surgery in December 2009.

The surgery straightened a curve in his spine that had reached almost 90 degrees. The fusion began at C2 and went all the way down to his pelvis.

What this picture cannot fully show is how fragile Alex’s body was at that point. He had gone into surgery weighing about 55 pounds. After surgery, his body responded dramatically. His blood pressure would skyrocket and then plummet. He could not sleep. He struggled to tolerate nutrition and fluids. His nervous system seemed to be in overdrive.

This was one of those times when words do not fully explain what Alex went through.

It is also one of the pictures that reminds me why I keep telling the story. Because behind every smile, every milestone, and every “he looks good” comment, there were moments like this too.