In summary:
Scoliosis Among Ryusei’s Childhood Illnesses Rapidly Worsened
My son, Ryusei, was born in 2004 as the youngest of three siblings. From six months old, he had pediatric asthma, and until he was four years old, he was hospitalized more than 30 times. At two and a half, he also underwent surgery for undescended testes. When he was three, during one of his hospital stays, we noticed one side of his back was protruding, and he was diagnosed with scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves in an S shape. At that time, it wasn’t a major concern, so we continued with check-ups every four months and monthly rehabilitation.
When he was in first grade, to prevent the progression of scoliosis, he started wearing a brace from morning until bedtime.Summers were particularly tough, causing heat rashes, but he persevered without complaint, and we had the brace remade as he grew. However, three years ago, his condition suddenly worsened, and his spine curved into a complete 110-degree S shape.
Referred to a Renowned Doctor, but Two Early Surgeries Were Canceled Due to Misfortune
Our regular doctor referred us to one of only two renowned specialists in Japan. When we met this doctor with our referral letter, he said, “Ryusei’s life is in danger if we do not operate immediately.” Many patients nationwide were waiting for this doctor’s surgeries, with a two-year wait time, but he kindly adjusted his schedule to perform Ryusei’s surgery as soon as possible.
The surgery was extremely difficult, with risks of lifelong paralysis if nerves were damaged, and some children didn’t survive the operation. I was very anxious but kept reassuring myself, “If we don’t operate, Ryusei’s life is at risk. Buddha will surely protect him.“
We focused on asthma treatment to ensure Ryusei was in the best possible condition for surgery. The surgery was scheduled for May 30, 2018, at 9 AM. However, due to a train accident involving a person, the anesthesiologist arrived an hour late. Then, a call from the operating room informed us that the procedure was canceled because they couldn’t insert a catheter. Despite our priest and parish believers praying for the surgery’s succession at the temple, it was unfortunately canceled.
The next surgery was scheduled for June 6, but the catheter inserted the day before caused an infection, and Ryusei developed a high fever, leading to another cancellation. After two canceled surgeries, we returned home.
Ryusei Encouraged His Mother, and Eventually, Both Major Surgeries Were Successful. He Now Attends School Without Any Aftereffects or Paralysis
Ryusei and I prayed earnestly to the Gohonzon, asking for a successful surgery next time. Ryusei said, “Nichiren Shonin is smiling and saying it’s going to be okay.” Ryusei, who had a strong spiritual sense since childhood, reassured me with his words, and I felt at peace.
On June 8, the surgery started at 9 AM. After 11 long hours, the surgery was successfully completed. I rushed to Ryusei’s side immediately. He had a tube in his neck, was wearing an oxygen mask, and had IVs and various tubes attached to him, but he was conscious and looking at me with his eyes open. Tears streamed down my face as I felt immense pride in his strength. He stayed in the ICU for two days and was transferred to a general ward on the third day.
The second surgery was required, and it was successfully completed on July 18 after another seven and a half hours. Although he experienced some back pain initially, Ryusei, who has a high pain tolerance, endured it without crying. There was no nerve damage or paralysis, and his quick recovery astonished the doctors.
After two months in the hospital, Ryusei was discharged and is now healthy, attending school, thanks to Buddha’s guidance. I am deeply grateful and will continue to devote myself to repaying these blessings through dedicated service.
