Parents shruggle with decision who should operate

For three weeks we had researched plenty of websites, talked to many people, had professional opinions...you'd think we would know what to do. However, we now had TMI...too much information. There were minor contradictions in opinions with what seemed like great consequences. We had changed our minds 3 times...chiari institute, Hershey Medical, Johns Hopkins...then back to Hershey.

The Chiari Institute (TCI) surgeons were kind enough to e-mail me the past few days on the differences between surgical procedures (hopkins vs hershey). Hopkins received high recomendations previously from one of the TCI surgeons; yet, another CI surgeon explained his preferences of a dura patch from Luke's own body over the other alternatives of a pig cadeaver and a snythetic material, which are more prone to leaking. We totally trusted TCI's opinions and they were critical in our decision making. Additionally, a pass by Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore quickly discouraged our comfort-level to live there for a few days. This wasn't critical but we did weigh the environment: the seemingly unsafe section of Baltimore vs beautiful central PA. Some also suggested for Luke's recovery period might be an issue in that Hopkins and other inner city hospitals are usually understaffed, even though their surgeon staff may be top-notch.

Ultimately, after 2 agonizing days while camping at Raystown PA, we felt most comfortable with Hershey Medical and Dr. Iantosca. We hope we made the right choice.