When Surgery is Not the Best Choice: The Value of Knowing Your Options

Merryn was diagnosed with a benign tumor in her sciatic nerve when she was 11.

In science terms, that is intraneural perineurioma of the sciatic nerve. Seeking the best possible care for their child, Merryn’s family traveled from their home in Seattle to multiple healthcare facilities across the nation until receiving the rare diagnosis.

“I first got connected with Shriners Children's when my doctors wanted to see if surgery could help my leg and foot function better, even with this blockage,” said Merryn. Her family consulted with Kathryn Fuchs, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children's Portland, about several different options including the surgical option of a tendon transfer.

“After talking to Dr. Fuchs at Shriners Children’s, I felt like I really understood the subject a lot better,” said Merryn. “She laid out the situation with possible consequences and benefits very clearly, which helped me a lot.” Though Merryn has not needed to pursue any of the options presented, it offered her peace of mind, and she would feel at ease going to Shriners Children's when the time is right for intervention.

Dr. Fuchs remembers meeting Merryn and her family very well. “I am a mom before everything else,” she said. “If there is any way to solve a problem without surgery, I’ll always recommend that, because that’s what I’d want for my baby.” Dr. Fuchs spent the time to understand what Merryn’s quality of life is like and what she’s interested in pursuing. Once she assessed that Merryn has a good quality of life without pain and is able to play sports with an assistive device, she presented the option of surgery, but did not recommend it. Dr. Fuchs saw that she’s in a great spot right now to continue to pursue her passions and interests without surgery.

“Even though this tumor constricts my motion in my leg and has made a lot of aspects of my life difficult, I still have a lot of fun playing sports and enjoying hobbies,” said Merryn. “I play golf, practice guitar, but most of all, with the help of an orthotic I am able to play on a select team for soccer!”

Roseann, Merryn’s mom, has observed that an important part of their experience with Shriners Children’s for her daughter has been the opportunity to see other children with physical disabilities.

Now a 13-year-old student athlete still in the middle of her medical journey, Merryn is most proud of her accomplishments on the soccer field. Her condition has made athletics much more challenging, yet she is able to keep up with her peers on a select soccer team! In the truest showing of dedication and hard work, going to practice is consistently the highlight of Merryn’s week.

Merryn has enjoyed exploring other sports like tennis. “Despite having a rougher road and more physical disadvantages than many, I've still been able to enjoy the activities I love.”

Meet Merryn and other Shriners Children’s patients at the Shriners Children’s Northwest Classic coming up on May 16 at the Nile Golf Course at Mountlake Terrace, Washington, a joint fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Portland and Shriners Children’s Spokane.