1cm achieved and x rays

Today was our first follow up appointment with the consultant since Ava's operation to have the frame fitted. As per the previous posts we have been performing the lengthening every morning for the past week. The good news (as you will see from the x rays below) is that by turning the struts on the frame according to Ava's programme we have achieved 1cm.

Although the new bone has yet to grow, the break in her bones (tibia and fibula) has widened by 1cm. Over the coming weeks the new bone will start to form and we'll be able to track this with future x rays that will take place fortnightly when we see the consultant.

We were told today that we are aiming to achieve 5cm of growth, rather than the full 6cm. This is because of Ava's age and length of leg. As I've explained in earlier posts Ava will need a second lengthening at 12 years old as her 'good' leg will continue to grow at a quicker rate. The remainder of the difference will be made up (hopefully) during this second lengthening.

We were also told its highly likely that the consultant will inject into the growth plates of Ava's 'good' leg at some point between the first and second lengthening.  This will be to slow down the growth which would reduce the discrepancy in length further. If Ava takes after her 6'4" dad then this should still make her taller than my 5'5", even with her growth being slowed down.

In terms of how the days are going, they are still very much up and down. Ava generally is in much better spirits though, particularly when she sees her friends. Unfortunately she is still not sleeping well and wakes on average 3 times a night. This lack of sleep is likely to be the cause of some of her low points, as apart from the morning lengthening and pin site cleaning, I don't think Ava is in any real pain (which is good).

1cm down. 4cm to go!