Baclofen Pump Surgery

After much thought, prayers, advice and consideration we have decided to go forth with this method of treatment for Truman. It is called an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump. It is used to treat patients with severe muscular disorders. A pump is surgically inserted in the abdomen and a catheter is inserted and connected to the spine. The placement of the catheter is determined by the area in which the treatment will be. In Truman's case it was placed just above the neck to deliver medication to treat the muscles below. Because Truman has severe spacticity ( tightness and constantly contracted muscles) this procedure has been recommended to better treat him. The pump is roughly the size of hockey puck and is filled with Baclofen (a muscle relaxer) that is strategically dispersed into his spinal fluid that delivers the medication directly to the nerves that control his muscles. He was getting Botox therapy in his Biceps, Triceps, Calves and Inner Thighs to help reduce his tone. This would happen every 3 months and painful, yet effective. The pump will now replace the Botox injections Yay!
Surgery went as well as could be expected. His Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, did the surgery. He is very highly recommended and a great surgeon. There are only 2 Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons in the Treasure Valley. Dr. Shilt is great. The surgery took place at St. Alphonsus, not my first choice in the beginning, but has turned out to be a great choice. The staff and doctors here are amazing. We are still here at the hopsital on the 5th floor in the peds unit. Very nice and spacious.
Truman has an incision on his abdomen, just opposite of his feeding tube button and then a small hole in his lower back. His pain is being managed well and he is comfortable. He slept pretty well all night and is now trying to eat and digest. Hopefully we will be able to go home today but I am not counting on it.
Thanks to all of our friends and family who have wished him well and sent their love. It has made this more bearable.