Navarro-Conder: Joshua's surgery

We have been fortunate not to have had many surgeries since Josh was born. He of course had his myelomeningocele repaired 24hrs. after he was born (putting the spine into the back and closing it up). He had his VP shunt placed one month after he was born because of Arnold Chiari malformation which causes hydrocephalus, and that's been the extent of his surgeries. I chose for him to get a cecostomy(ACE) while he's young so he can avoid embarrassing social situations because of his bowel incontinence. This will allow him continence and also to not have to wear pull-ups for the rest of his life. I'm sure he will thank me for it when he's older. The surgery went well! He's been at Primary Children's hospital. Can I just say that this hospital rocks. They have this way cool Forever Young Zone for patient's and their siblings to come play and do craft projects and just have fun. Last night we made volcanoes and had fun watching them erupt. They have a nice parent resource room too that's full of snacks, there are computers to use, and literature to read. They definitely make the patients and families feel like it's a second home. The doctor and all the nurses have been great. Here are some pictures of Josh before and after surgery.