We always head to doctors appointments with several questions in mind, many of which question what the future looks like for Emily. Unfortunately, the doctors don't hold all the answers, but they can make educated guesses and keep us informed of symptoms to look for. Overall, we were pleased with what we learned from the neurosurgeon (it was a good thing our second appointment was cancelled as they were running over two hours behind). She described the fluid as a "wisp". The spinal cord looks good, it ends in the right place, and the nerves around it look healthy. The MRI reported a tiny amount of fat in the filum, though she was not at all impressed with that finding (it was a very, very small spot on the screen). She just wants a repeat MRI in 6 months, that will include the brain (to check for fluid there), and we will check in with her after that. Emily is not showing symptoms, and really that is all they would treat (back pain, leg and arm pain or weakness, etc.). Based on her experience, the doctor does not think the area of the fluid will grow/enlarge. The fat on the filum COULD tether the spinal cord and cause bowel and bladder issues, but again that is not likely. So it is one more thing to add to that backpack of Emily's, all those little things that we have to keep an eye on. Today, as I was summarizing all the doctors we have seen for Emily, I was reminded to be thankful that though she has many issues, they really are small issues, and nothing to be alarmed over. We keep getting these little scares, only to see that God has protected Emily from the worst.
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