The mother of a Bandon teenager, who was in urgent need of a spinal operation, has spoken of her family's delight now that her son has had successful surgery
THE mother of a Bandon teenager, who was in urgent need of a spinal operation, has spoken of her family’s delight now that her son has had successful surgery.
Last month, The Southern Star reported how 15-year-old Eoin Bracken suffered from kyphosis – an unusual condition that meant that his spine was growing outwards – which could only be corrected with surgery.
The family only noticed his condition while on holidays last summer and despite having private medical insurance it did not cover the correction surgery.
They were then forced to go on the public waiting list back in January and were fearful that his situation would deteriorate if surgery wasn’t carried out soon.
The Southern Star ran the story of Eoin’s plight in our August 10th edition.
‘We got a call from the admissions office of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin out of the blue on August 12th to say that the operation would be carried out a week later. It was a huge shock to get the call out of the blue, but brilliant at the same,’ said mum Eithne.
‘We had been on the waiting list since January of this year so to get this important operation was vital. While there were a few complications during surgery, thankfully Eoin came out the other side.’
Eithne said that his recovery is ‘long and slow’ but added that he’s a super patient person.
‘He doesn’t complain at all and he’s a superstar. Earlier last week we took 80 clips off his back and he says he feels his back is a whole lot better. I want to thank the surgeon Pat Kiely who did an amazing job and to the staff at the hospital.’
Having completed his Junior Cert at St Brogan’s College while still in pain, Eoin hopes to return to school on a part-time basis for the moment while he recovers, with his next check-up to Dublin in October.
Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony (FF), who had raised the issue of the waiting lists with the Minister for Health, said it was fantastic news that Eoin has had his operation.
‘The fact that it is now done is great and it happened really fast and I’m so happy for the family,’ said Deputy Murphy O’Mahony.
