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 Dylan Rutledge is standing taller on his seventh birthday thanks to tireless efforts of the Mott staff
At the young age of seven, Dylan Rutledge has spent more time as a hospital patient and has undergone more surgeries than most people would in a lifetime. Dylan was only 10 weeks old when he was diagnosed with infantile scoliosis. By the time he was 6 months old, the curvature of his spine was almost 85 degrees, and it had started to affect his breathing.
Dylan’s pediatrician referred him to the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. "We knew it was a great place to go," says Dylan’s mom, Penny. "We felt very blessed that we were only 90 minutes away."
After his first surgery, 6−month−old Dylan spent 12 weeks in a cast from his armpits to his toes. At his one−year check up, he still had a severe curvature that indicated idiopathic as well as congenital scoliosis. The next surgery required halo traction, which placed five pounds of weight on Dylan’s spine to try to straighten it as much as possible. Two−year−old Dylan spent eight weeks dividing his time between his bed and a special wheelchair.
 
Seven−year−old Dylan has experienced numerous surgeries and hospitalizations to treat his scoliosis, and he always has a beaming smile, even when he was required to be in halo traction for eight weeks. His family, including his sister Sydni, has been by his side each step of the way.
Caring Guidance
Throughout Dylan’s treatments, the Rutledge family benefited from the guidance of Frances Farley, M.D., chief, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Mott Hospital, who performed all of Dylan’s operations. Dylan’s parents appreciate Dr. Farley’s honesty, knowledge and caring attitude.
"We love Dr. Farley," says Penny. "She treats us with respect, talks to Dylan about topics that interest him and always asks about his older sister Sydni. I can‘t say enough good things about her."
Farley‘s attention to the latest advances in treatment options led to Dylan’s VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib) surgery in December 2006. A curved metal rod was attached perpendicular to Dylan’s ribs. The VEPTR helps spread his ribs while giving his left lung room to grow. Before the surgery, Dylan’s lungs were functioning at 32 percent of their capacity. After the surgery, his pulmonary function improved to 42 percent. "Now he runs around and plays like any other child," says Penny.
Throughout Dylan’s 10 surgeries and hospitalizations, the Rutledges have appreciated the support of the caring staff at Mott Children’s Hospital. Penny especially appreciates how the Child and Family Life staff have helped him, saying, "Child Life motivates him. I’ve seen him in so much pain he can’t sit up, but he wants to go to the playroom so badly." The Child Life activity rooms are also popular with Dylan’s older sister.
 
Throughout his surgeries, Dylan and his family have maintained positive attitudes. It has helped that so many people, including Frances Farley, M.D., (left), orthotist Nicole Weiss (right), the X−ray technicians and child life specialists, give him something to look forward to on his visits.
Grateful Family
The Rutledges are grateful for their positive experiences and so many caring people, including the orthotics team (especially Nicole Weiss) who designed a unique wheelchair for Dylan to use while he was in halo traction.
They also appreciate the x−ray technicians. "Dylan looks forward to getting x−rays," says Penny. "The technicians make it fun and give him stickers for doing his Superman and soldier poses."
The Rutledges know Mott Hospital better than most families. Dylan has stayed in almost every patient care unit, including the pediatric intensive care unit, moderate care and the ventilator unit. They’ve always been impressed with the dedication and kindness of the nurses. Penny says, "It is neat to see people who care so much and really make a difference. When you’ve got great nurses, you have a great stay."
Dylan’s next surgery and hospital stay will be in December. As Dylan grows, the VEPTR device needs to be expanded or replaced about every six months. With each expansion, the device is lengthened about a centimeter.
Penny says that as a parent, having a child in the hospital is much harder than being hospitalized yourself. Through several surgeries and hospital stays, the Rutledges have appreciated the support and kindness of Mott Hospital’s staff. She says, "When there are people who really care, it makes a difference."
Find out about Mott’s commitment to teamwork by visiting: www.med.umich.edu/mott/touch/who_teams.html
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