Surgery Day!

Ash & Grant escorted us up to the clinic again on surgery day. Her interpreter then pushed her across the street to the hospital where they set her up with a room and got her checked in. I stayed in the room until I was called down to speak with the Dr after surgery. It was a success. They severed her filum which had been pulling on her spinal cord, causing the chiari as well as her straightened spine, numbness in her extremities, neurological effects and loss of mobility. At this time we do not know to what extent her body will recover but having the tension released will at the least stop the progression of the filum disease. Already she is having a very small decrease in head pressure, is walking much more straight as well as having increased sensation in her legs and feet. She will need physical therapy to build her muscles back up. Recovery to whatever capacity her body will enjoy may take months, maybe longer to realize but already she is so grateful for what progress we've already seen! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! 

Mandy & I with our sweet escorts

Mandy's interpreter Anoop is a funny guy! Has really made her feel comfortable

Mandy's room

From her hospital window we had a view of the park. These ladies were enjoying an exercise class

After about an hour and a half I was called down to this waiting room. I was able to speak with the Dr after a while but wasn't able to see her until about 2 hours later 

Her sweet friend Emily who has been to the Barcelona Chiari clinic and has the same surgery sent her flowers ❤️ 

Once she got back to the room and had a consult with the Dr we texted Grant & Ash that she would love visitors

They've been encouraging her to walk around as much as possible.. she's had some pain & pain med issues but were getting them worked out ❤️ 

Finally released to head back to the hotel! Thank you for your prayers!