12/16/1997 It was 17 years ago on this date that I was up at the crack of dawn (well literally before then) excited to be awake and headed for St. Louis Childrens Hospital for surgery. People who knew my life before this day might have an idea of why, but in case you werent lucky to have that Point of view here are some of the reasons why: I had struggled for every step I took for many years, and was made fun of for the way I walked or what I used to walk and as a teenager I had lost hope. I was cool using a wheelchair. (At least it gave them something to talk about that was something I had control over) One day in the summer of 1997 I saw a story about this surgery that was helping young people with CP be more of what they could be, I went through the screening process and in addition to saying I was a candidate for the SDR procedure Dr. TS Park required me to complete six weeks of pre-op therapy. I had to show him I was dedicated to this long but worthwhile journey. A lot of sweat and tears were shed by many to make that day possible. I believed In him I trusted him and thank God I did because without him and his team at the time I would not be walking or standing today!!! Several of you know that I have had surgeries since then and may wonder if I really feel like the selective dorsal Rhizotomy was worth it?? I can say without regret of any kind that I would do that surgery all over again if given the chance. it was the best choice I ever made and even though adversity came my way only six weeks after (I was in a car accident coming home from therapy) Therefore, my recovery was way slower, I still wouldnt change any part of the journey or the people I met along the way. For those of you who have met me since 12\16\1997 the person you know today is confident because Im less self-conscious,is stronger because after the surgery the outcome is all up to the patient and/or those who support them being dedicated to tremendous amounts of therapy. Most of all I am healthier and will probably live a longer life thanks to less stress on my body due to spasticity. I dont know what number surgery I was for Dr. Park but knowing that just recently he completed his 3000th selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) Makes me even more grateful to be counted among those lives that have been changed forever because of his skill and commitment, A list of the top 10 things I have been able to do since my SDR: 10.walk with crutches 9. Remove the foot straps on every wheelchair since 1997 8. Speak confidently without my muscles distracting from my message. 7.decided to become a child life Specialist and then became a child life specialist to pay it forward. 6. Rode a bike 7 miles in the MS 150 (2002) 5.walked three fourths of a mile in the race for the cure (with my walker) 4. Had The courage to apply to the number one Social Work school in the country and eventually graduate with a Masters!! 3. Encouraged one of my closest friends to have the same surgery and watch her blossom as she is still able to do amazing physical feats today!!! 2. After this surgery Cerebral Palsy did not define me I defined what cerebral palsy is to me! 1. The best thing that has come out of the surgery and my experience of life since then is that I have gotten to meet some of the most amazing supportive and incredible people either because they had a similar journey,or because in some way big or small they have been a part of my life journey before during and after 12/16/1997!!! As of today I have lived equally 17 years before my SDR and 17 years after. The after is so much brighter thank you Dr. TS Park!!
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:52:18 +0000
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