A tribute to my parents, who have loved me and put up with my b.s. for 17 years, and who stayed with me through all of my 11 major surgeries (and counting).

By Renée, for “Love” theme

October, patient is a 12-year-old female with congenital hereditary progressive arthro-ophthalmodystrophy.

Twist. Darkness. 

Acute scoliosis, emergency spinal fusion required with possible allograft.

Slip. Fear.

December, returning patient is a 15-year-old female.

Drip. Blood. 

Acute lumbar spondylolisthesis, and lower lumbar spondylodesis, emergency procedure required.

Tinge. Fear.

January, patient is a 16-year-old female–

Crack.

June, patient is a 16-year-old female, high-risk–

Crack.

August, patient is a 16-year-old female, high-risk for–

Crack.

November, patient is a 16-year-old female, high-risk for infection–

Crack.

Spinal fusion revision with possible bone grafting.

Ouch.

Love Editor: Quintus