Clay Fell

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Clay was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2I at the age of 5. His muscles have not been strong enough to support his spine & it has curved enough to need a spinal fusion. So here we sit in the Sanford Sioux Falls surgical tower waiting for Clays surgery to begin.

His last X-ray (Nov 2021) showed a 46° curve. Dr. Haft will do his best to straighten Clay’s spine, securing it with 2 titanium rods & several screws, to his pelvis & fuse the vertebrae together. This will keep his diaphragm open so his lungs & heart don’t get squished & continue to work the best they can.

The surgery is expected to take 4-5 hours once it gets started. Clay will be in ICU upon leaving the recovery room for at least one night or until he’s well enough to transfer to a bed on the regular castle floor. We were told he’ll be in the hospital 3-5 days pending everything goes according to plan & his heart & lungs cooperate.

I will keep everyone posted here as everything develops.

Please say a prayer for Clay, the doctors, nurses & all those that will be caring for him for an uncomplicated surgery & speedy recovery with no infections developing.