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Originally Posted By Graham

Hello everyone. My apologies for not posting much the past week or so. My 11 year old son, who came to the world with spina bifida, is recovering from major bowel and bladder surgery at Shriners Hospital. It's his first significant surgery since he had his shunt inserted at one month of age. We're hoping that this "Ace Malone" procedure will enable him to be dry and clean and out of diapers for the first time in his life, and hopefully for ever. Junior High School's coming up and you remember what that was like! Thankfully he's doing very well, the surgery seems to have been successful, and he's been a trooper about the discomfort and pain that goes along with these things. He should be coming home this weekend. I'll try to respond to as many posts as I can between now and then. btw: Shriners are incredible. Wonderful specialized care at no cost. They won't even bill insurance. Thank you Noble!

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Originally Posted By yrand

I know I speak for all of us that we will have your son in our prayers Graham.Self image is so important to kids at that age and this will help him alot I'm sure. God bless!

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Originally Posted By Hattie

Very glad to hear your son is doing well. It's encouraging to know a child going through this kind of procedure has a father like you to come home to! Many Blessings and a continued recovery

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Originally Posted By Graham

Thanks guys. I appreciate the kind words. I have to admit one thing though, and maybe this holds relevence for adoption too; my son did not want this surgery, and nor did his mother from whom I'm divorced. I wanted it and my wife wanted it - for my son's future life and for ourselves. The truth is that he and his mother were content for him to remain in diapers for life. My household couldn't put up with that anymore. Caring and self-interest can come together in special needs parenting. We're not saints - just doing the best we know how with what we've got!
Graham.