The Journey Continues

I could really use a little sunshine this week (okay the coffee with Bailey's too!). It has been another roller-coaster of feelings after our Monday appointment with Dr. 'J'.

While changing Jackjack last week I noticed his legs were different lengths .... like they were when he was diagnosed, different. I also realized that over the past few weeks he had stopped pulling up to stand in his brace & would put no pressure on his left leg at all. So, being a "normal" nervous hipmomma ..... I called. The response I got? 

"Oh no !! We'll see you Monday morning at 8 ~ try to have a good weekend !"

That is not what a hipmomma likes to hear from her favourite nurse and surgeon! The upward climbing news of this weeks roller-coaster ride is that Jackjack's hip has not re-dislocated! It is probably still sore from being forced "straight" during a chest xray for pneumonia. In children under 3 they tend to use a pigg-o-stat .... which seems horrible when your child is not as peaceful as the one below ;)

There is nowhere else for your legs to go & when they have been "froggy -style" for a year ~ youch!  His difference in leg length is most likely from surgical stimulation. With every surgery, the hip joint is moved & adjusted which stimulates growth. With Jackjack's right hip being stable, Dr. 'J' didn't have to adjust it as much as his left. This should even out after he begins to walk & both hips have equal pressure.

Now for the screaming, stomach dropping, save me, downhill ...... Jackjack has had absolutely no new bone growth over the last three months, none. He has been scheduled for an innominate osteotomy on May 1st. It always surprises me that even when I am prepared that 'not the greatest' outcome is possible, it still throws me for a loop. I am relieved to know that we have done everything possible to encourage Jackjack's body to heal & grow as it was created to .... but I am still very, very worried about this surgery. There are so many more complications & it feels, to me, so invasive. 

He will be hospitalized for about 4 days after this surgery & will have an epidural until he is able to use only iv or oral pain medications. We also need to be sure there is no infection & that the bone graft is holding. He will be back in a hip spica cast for 6 weeks (which, as I giggled with Dr. 'J', will be a piece of cake compared to the length of time he's spent in one already!). If everything goes as planned, with no complications (please!), our sweet boy should be free to learn to walk, go on a swing, ride in a regular carseat, play in the sand, the pool, the sprinkler ...... I cannot wait!! The idea of all of his "firsts' is what is keeping me strong. All of our support, is keeping me strong.

Please send happyhip thoughts to a very special boy on Thursday. He will be having his first reduction & is just beginning his journey. Please send his hipmomma big hugs ~ he will do great 'L' & amaze you both .... this I can promise !!

"GROW, BONE, GROW"

xo,

Steph