2nd opinions

Last night I talked with my cousin who is a Dr, and this morning I talked with Nathan's pediatrician.  Both gave me very good reasons as to why Nate's Ortho probably wants to do 4 separate surgeries.  They also made me feel a bit more comfortable with anesthesia.  Neither of them thought it was a bad idea for me to have an opinion myself and to share that with the Ortho.

My opinion is obviously based on discussions I have had with my network of other EvCers and parents.  The experts! None of them understand 4 surgeries, and none of them have ever been casted after.  Usually just a bandage that came off within a week.  Also, my EvC parents ensure me that healing is no big deal.  They've all urged me to either express my concerns and insist on 2 surgeries, or get a 2nd opinion.

While talking with the Ped this morning, he thinks it would be a great idea to get a second opinion.  He views Nate's Ortho as very conservative (not a bad thing) and thinks maybe seeing a more aggressive Ortho could give us some perspective.  Then, we can make a decision that we feel good about rather than just going with the flow like I kind of feel like we are doing now.   So, his nurse is locating another Ortho that takes our insurance and is calling me back with an appointment.  :)

I feel so much better after talking with both of these men who I respect.  I appreciated the Pediatrician listening to my views and the views of the other mothers, and considering them just as valuable as the professionals.

Here's a great picture of Nathan's hands and feet...also of how stinking adorable he is :)  The child has no clue that he's a little thing, just FULL of himself!!!