Welcome to Madison's Circle of family and friends! When visiting her page you can receive information about Madison's diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, her journey through Spinal Fusion Surgery, an arena for updates and support.
Madison and our family went from 0 - 60 with this process. We were advised just over a year ago today during a standard wellness check, that Madison was showing signs of Scoliosis and that we needed to watch her over the next year. Over the next year, we took note that Madison had really grown a few inches and obviously rapid. Her well checks are always right before the new school year and like usual, we went in. It was during that visit in late August her Pediatrician was concerned and it was time she needed x-rays. She could see a significant change in her curvature by the simple forward bending assessment. After multiple x-rays we learned her spine curve is shaped like an S. The visual was overwhelming and honestly taken back by the fact that Madison to this day, has not been experiencing any pain. Thankfully, the upper curve of 59 degrees is towards the right of her chest and mostly away from her heart and lungs. With the lumbar curve to the left at 48 degrees. With a curve greater than 50 degrees and beyond bracing (which we're all thankful for), an immediate surgical intervention discussion was had between us and Dr. Tassone. Recognized as one of Children's Hospital of WI best Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon's in the area and state. An overwhelming office visit for all, but for James and I, immediate worst case scenarios run through your mind and bringing yourself back to earth happens often. You go through the steps required, appointment by appointment, one thing at a time. It will not surprise many of you that Madison is taking a very relaxed approach and really the most resilient and brave girl we've ever met. She prefers less talking and a "let's just do this" mentality so we welcome all of you to do the same! If anyone can manage through the pain she'll be in and meet daily goals, it's her!
Pre-operative appointments are underway with a scheduled surgery date of 12/9/2021. MRI, blood work and phycological evaluation all passed with flying colors. No surprise there! Here are some helpful links full of information about her type of scoliosis, the surgery and the entire pre/post operative process for you to educate yourself or your son/daughter. Some videos are lengthy, but have been very helpful for our family and if you have random down-time, worth watching/listening to when you can.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
https://www.gillettechildrens.org/conditions-care/scoliosis-idiopathic-neuromuscular-and-congenital/what-is-scoliosis#types-of-scoliosisSpinal Fusion Video
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/treatments/spinal-fusion-surgeryhttps://bchmedia.org/sites/default/files/video/import/6087129567001.mp4Pre/Post Operative Process
https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/pjgxpb0w36?popover=truePlease feel free to support Madison on this page before, during and after her Spinal Fusion Surgery. Please leave kind words of encouragement or as Mads would say or post, "Positive Vibes Only!" If you would like to send a note, artwork, list of favorite movies and books or a card to Madison as she recovers, please feel free to reach out to me, Mom, @ 714-313-5056 and I can provide our address if you don't have it.
Thank you all for your love and support!
Bertolli's
