Colleen and I just got home from our appointment at Duke. The doctor says that the right hip has collapsed considerably and a bone graft or another core decompression surgery are our choices. He said that usually only 2 hip replacements secure well to the bones and they only last around 15 years each- so he does not recommend that surgery at this time. A bone graft will only postpone the eventual hip replacement. She will always have what he called start up pain which means that she will hurt when standing or sitting or when she begins walking. Her hip bone is too flat now to hope for normal function of that area. When i asked him if she could participate in sports he stated that he felt that her knees will give her too much pain to participate. They are also very affected by the osteonecrosis. Her wrists are also causing her some pain at this time which concerns me. If we decided to have another core decompression, it would take her pain away but she would still need hip replacement on the right within 3 years. So our choices are limited and the outcome will not be great but I guess we have to hope for the best. Her bone graft to the right hip is on Wednesday. Please pray for wisdom for the doctor, steadiness of hand, and good pain relief after the surgery. We did get a bit of good news. The doctor feels that the left hip has collapsed but on the side of the hip not the weight bearing point and he feels that it will heal well without needing a bone graft or a replacement. We are saddened by the news but we know that God has the ability to alleviate her pain and controls the outcome of her surgery. We appreciate your prayers!!!!!!

Surgery at Duke University

I spoke with Dr Ruch at Duke University finally today. I have been waiting on his call for 2 weeks now. He said that the right hip bone has collapsed some but the left hip remains intact. Colleens MRI showed a natural progression of the osteonecrosis. We were hoping for healing but that does not appear to be in God's plan for her at this time. I requested that he add her for surgery as soon as possible so that she will not need to miss too much school in September. He told me that his staff will call me soon with a date. Colleen is understandably disappointed about needing more surgery. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, for an uncomplicated and quick recovery for Colleen, for resources to assist with transportation to and from the hospital, and that Colleen will be encouraged despite the circumstances. Please pray often that the graft will heal and that this surgery will correct the defect so that Colleen will not need a hip replacement in the near future and continue to pray that the left hip will remain intact. Colleen will be on crutches for 5 months with the right hip and another 6 months with the left hip. This will be another long road to recovery but we know that God has a plan for Colleen and our family and he knows what is best for us. Thank you so much for your prayers and concern for our family. Tammy