When we returned from China we had several doctor appointments. One appointment was to see Dr. Failla at Children's Hospital. While we were there (in June 2010) he discussed a surgery that Ella would be a candidate for called Pollicization. In essence, he would remove her index finger from her left hand (her long arm) and make it into a thumb for her left hand. So, instead of have 4 fingers and no thumb, she would have 3 fingers and 1 thumb. He said that he would prefer to wait until she was at least four years old and had grown a bit more since she was so young and tiny.
Dr. Failla also explained that at this present time there really isn't anything that can be done (medically) for her right arm. There is a lot of doctor talk and mumbo jumbo that I will not bore you with at this point...another post for another day.
We went to visit Dr. Failla this past March (just after her 4th birthday) and set a date for the Pollicization surgery. This was not an easy decision for us. I have stated many times before that Ella has accomplished so much and continues to amaze us each day. Ella's lack of thumbs is all she has ever known and therefore she has adapted how to use implements quite well for herself. This was the sticking point for me...she can do all these things, then why does she need this surgery?
What it came down to is Ella wanted a thumb. She would look at my hand, or Daddy's hand and say "Why I not have a tumm?" "Why I not use snip snips (scissors)?" "Why I not pick tings up wike dis?"
So, we explained to her the best we could and she said that she would like a "tumm."
Now, do not get me wrong...the day of the surgery she decided that she did not want a thumb anymore, but after much discussion with other Dr. Failla, Ella, and, other families we decided that this is the right choice for Ella.
We took a photo of our hands prior to the surgery.
Here is her left hand after surgery. It looks like her "tumm" has always been there. Amazing!!! (Also, it takes your brain a few moments to realize that there are only 3 fingers and not 4 of them.)
Just a few more days and her "cocoon" (cast) comes off and her beautiful butterfly hand and thumb will emerge. I am not sure who is more excited her or us to see all the new and exciting things that she will be able to do and accomplishe now that she has a functioning thumb!
We asked her if she would like to have a new thumb on her right hand (she just has a little nubbin) after her surgery and her reply was "Ummm no tank you." However, since her left arm has been in it's cocoon she has been using her right arm (her small arm) and hand more, so she may change her mind again once she sees how much easier many things will be for her left hand now.
Counting down the days until we can splash in the water, swing on the swings, and dig in the dirt...just in time for summer!
~Mommy dee, Daddy David, and our brave, sweet, astounding little girl that just shows us everyday how amazing she is Ella
