The Raw Side of Rare: Hope, Hustle & Rowdie’s Hospital Halls. Unfiltered Mom Life, Medical Edition

Today marks 12 weeks since Rowdie’s SMAS surgery (Alvear-Fowlkes-Stephenson procedure) at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin, TX — and what an incredible 12 weeks it’s been. 💛

She is officially 8 weeks tube-free after being on a feeding tube for over a year — and she’s gained 11 pounds since surgery! 🙌

Of course, healing from such a major surgery takes time. She still has a little abdominal pain here and there, and she gets fatigued some days (especially with this Texas heat 🌞). She’s needed a few rounds of extra IV fluids since being home, but overall, she’s doing amazing.

Tomorrow, she heads back to work — something she’s beyond excited about! It’s been such a long road, but seeing her getting back to a more “normal” life again is everything. 🥹

To all the SMAS warriors and families out there — if you’re waiting to get in with one of these incredible surgeons, please have patience. They’re doing the very best they can, and I promise, they are worth the wait.

We’re so grateful for the choices we made and for the amazing care that’s helping our girl finally feel better. Sending love to all of you fighting similar battles — you’re not alone. 💛

#SMASAwareness #VascularCompressionSyndromes #HopeForHealing #RowdieStrongh#FightLikeRowdie