ARAMA'S SPINAL SURGERY

Arama has a rare Syndrome called Sticklers Syndrome with that comes many health challenges for my special little man.  He has had a tough year loosing his most special buddy in the whole world,  his Poppa.  Now his spinal surgery along with a few other challenges too.  But we wished that his Poppa had been here for this one.    We had a lovely Family Home Evening Last Monday which many of his cousins and friends came to and then we arrived at hospital last Tuesday at 2pm.  His surgery was scheduled for the Wed morning.  Arama had decided that he wanted 'Carls Jnr' for dinner the evening before his op.  I had said no its too expensive!  Anyway on our way up to the ward,  Arama and I were walking along a corridor and there was no one to be seen,  then I saw $20 on the ground and I picked it up and said there you go Arama there is your Carls JNR.  I texted Keith and this is the reply i got from him.

"There you go,  his Poppa would have bought him CARLS JNR, in fact he did buy him CARLS JNR today.  Nice doing business with you!"  

When Dad would drop him at school in the Mornings he would give Arama money and say to him "Nice doing business with you".  So I thought that text from Keith was just perfect.

Here is a photo below of Keith and Arama on the bed before they escaped the hospital the night before his op to get their Carls Jnr,  courtesy of Poppa!  We love you POPPA 4eva!

Below:  Arama and I just before he got wheeled away to surgery.

Just after Arama's operation.

Arama sitting in his chair for the first time about 3 days after his op below.

Arama's whopping great cut on his back below 

Terina giving Arama a Batman comic book that they bought for him.  My poor girl is missing Arama and mummy and the usual routine,  I can't wait to get home for her sake!

Arama's friends coming in to visit him from school Carl and Joel,  the nicest kids with lovely parents who bought them!

Arama's other friend Eamon below,  funny guys.

Here is a litte shot of one of Arama's 'Diary of a Whimpy' kid books.  I have been reading them to Arama in hospital and think I have become addicted too.  They are so funny.  The little Jar with the Yellow lid on top of the book is a sample off cut of the titanium that the surgeons put into Arama's spine.

                                        BEFORE                                 and                              AFTER

YOU CAN SEE THE SCREWS IN HIS SPINE IN THIS XRAY ABOVE TOO.

Below is Arama today  which is 5 days after his surgery.  

Arama is making amazing progress and has been walking today and I gave him a shower etc so that has boosted his confidence somewhat.   He even sat in a wheel chair and I wheeled him to Auckland hospital for a change of Scenery.  The girl who we have shared our room with all week, Phillipa, went home today,  she was 2 days ahead of Arama after having the same surgery as him.  I think if we are lucky, he may go home tomorrow we will just have to wait patiently and see.

He is getting more cheeky too that is how I know he is getting better.

King Arama sitting up watching TV eating his Salt and Vinegar Pringles,  make the most of it buddy 

soon your siblings will be annoying you again!  LOL! 

The night before we came into hospital during our Family night,  we got everyone to write little messages to Arama and we decorated his wall.  All of the doctors and nurses have said it is by far the coolest wall they have seen!  He surely is well loved!

So many people have come to see Arama in hospital and have all bought him treats.  This whole cupboard plus the top draw which you cant even see in this photo, is full with sugar etc.  He can't even eat much let alone junk so I must confess I have been helping to reduce the amount we need to take home and have probably put on a good 4 kg or something since I have been here.  Oh well back to normal soon hopefully!  Yeah right,  I am on a junk food roll now I think.  ARGHH!

Above:  Arama and Phillipa who he shared his room with all week.  She is the same age as Arama and they both had the same proceedure done.  We will miss them as we got quite close to them over the week.  I am so bummed as I was not there at the hospital when they left and I really wanted to get their contact details so we could hook up again sometime and discuss progress etc.  

Another girl has just come into our room and we asked if she was going to have spinal surgery too.  She replied no I have cancer and I am having my leg amputated tomorrow!  Flip  just when you think your lot is hard you get a reality check!  We are so blessed that Arama is okay and that he is making a speedy recovery.  We also believe in prayer and the beautiful blessing that his Dad and Uncles gave him last week before his surgery.  We believe in God and that he can work miracles.  We know Arama still has many challenges to face relating to his health  and that will probably include many more surgeries but he is loved by so many and his special personality will yet touch many lives!  I am so proud of you my son for your strength, bravery and faith.

This little movie above is one his class made and emailed to him this afternoon. 

The staff at MBI have been amazing.  Some of the teachers have even visited him 

in hospital,  I think that is going the extra mile and am very humbled by the love that I have felt from them all.