The summer of 2012 with Grant in the hip spica cast was probably the hardest thing I've been through as a parent so far. It's was physically and emotionally taxing for all of us. Grant was so heavy and awkward in the cast, we had sore backs and arms for weeks. He, of course, was uncomfortable, hot, itchy, stuck, and totally dependent. We became very creative on trying to do "fun" things with Grant. I've googled, searched, and You-Tubed many ideas to learn anything I can.
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| This was one of Grant's favorite things to do, "tractor ride!" |
We learned more than we ever wanted to know about the femur, hospital beds, positioning to avoid bed sores, car transportation and harnesses, and keeping a "stuck" two year old content. Most of all we were reminded how hard it can be at times to be a parent. I wanted so badly to be the one that was hurt.
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| He became a bit too obsessed with the ipad. Look at those arm muscles!! |
We were lucky to have a great Orthopedic Surgeon, who is also a friend, take care of us. He reassured us, educated us, calmed us, and he and his staff were great with Grant. Actually, Grant still often times talks about going to see Dr. Mike.
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| Ice cream time with family! |
We had the challenges of cleaning him, changing his diaper, feeding him, and keeping him comfortable. Jenna was a great big sister and was very helpful with Grant. She would lay on the floor and played with him, watched the same movies over and over with him. I will never be able to watch Cars or Monsters Inc. without thinking of that summer. Jenna would also be careful not to talk about fun things she was doing like going to the movies, swimming, playing outside. She was so considerate.
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| The hammock in the shade was another option for him to have a change of scenery, |
At the time, the days dragged, and I marked a big black X on every day, to slowly see the end getting closer. It actually worked to our benefit that Grant was so young. He healed much faster than an older child or adult would. He was in the cast for almost six weeks. Just like they did to put him in the cast, they put him under anesthetic to remove it also. The cast is so big and it's a process, so it's easier this way.
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| getting some tummy time! |
I was so excited and nervous that day. What if it was too early to take it off? What if he got hurt again? At least with that God awful cast he was protected. What if he was in a lot of pain? How would I hold him and move him around and be sure I wasn't hurting his leg? How scared would he be? We were going to have to prepare for a different norm for a while.
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| Itchy itchy skin! |
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| It's tough to nap in that cast. He finally fell asleep while the vacuum was running. |
