Today we met in person with the neurosurgeon. We are basically looking at two more surgeries - about 3-4 months apart.

Because of the scar tissue that has built up over the years in the back of Alex's neck and at the base of her skull, the fluid is still just not moving the way it should and the fluid pocket continues to grow. So the first surgery is going to be very similar to her surgery in July of 2023, unfortunately. He will either to try create more of a pathway for the fluid to circulate, or he will put in a shunt to drain the fluid pocket. He does not like to do a shunt because it is placing a foreign body in her spinal cord, but if it has to be done that way that's what he'll do. He says he won't decide until he gets back in there again to see which option he thinks will be the best.  

Then about 3-4 months after that surgery he will try to fix the bulging disc. 

None of this is what we were hoping for. He said only about 5% of people who have the decompression surgery (last July's procedure) have to have more work done. We would rather be in the 95% but that's not to be.

So, we will wait for Abbott to get the pre-authorization from insurance and then they will call to schedule. Alex will be looking at about a week in the hospital and probably home medical care (housebound status) for awhile again. I'll post the date of surgery as soon as I know.

I'm sure Alex would appreciate any notes/calls/words of encouragement she can get as this is not going the way it was supposed to. Thanks for all the prayers as well!