We have set a date for Sammy's next (and hopefully last) leg surgery. You can read more about the previous ones here and here and here.
It will be Monday, May 18th. Yep, exactly a month away. The official name for what they are doing is a bilateral tibial rotational osteotomy in both legs. In more simpler terms, they will be cutting through the shin bones and rotating his ankles and feet to correct his severe turn-in that was caused by the leg bowing.
I am trying not to freak out about it, but sometimes I just can't help it. This is the biggest (and most painful) surgery he will have had so far. The other two were outpatient, but this one will have him staying overnight, possibly longer. I am worried about the surgery and the pain he will be going through. It just breaks my heart to see him suffer and not be able to make the pain go away.
I am worried about the aftermath. He will have both legs in casts with pins holding the corrected bones in place. The casts will be on for 6-10 weeks, with possible physical therapy needed to help him walk after they are off. I am planning on sending him back to school just for a sense of normalcy when he is feeling up to it since school is in session until June 18th. I will have to get him a wheelchair so he can get around at school, but plan to just use the double stroller when I take him places with the two other kids. I foresee a summer full of Candyland, computer games and TV time since he won't be able to do much. Hopefully he can still get some swimming time in after the casts come off.
I am also stressing about how/when to tell him all this. Do I spring it on him the day before? Do I tell him now so he can prepare for it? Will he understand when I tell him that his legs will be in casts and he won't be able to walk or even take a bath?
Anyway, this post turned out way more deep and emotional than I planned. I really was going to just give the update that we have set the date for him, but then my mind starts racing. I know this is what needs to be done, just like the other two surgeries, and that it will all be okay. It's just the anticipation of it all that makes it all worse.
9 comments:
That does sound like a much more involved surgery. I will be praying for the surgery/recovery and for talking with Sammy about what is coming.
Maybe you could tell him enough in advance that you could have him choose some favorite activities to do before the surgery that he won't be able to do during the months of healing. Just an idea ...
Wow... that does sound really intense. I'm sure it will be a huge relief when it's all over. You guys will be in our prayers.
PS-- Thx for the call today & sorry I didn't get back to you. I'll try to catch you tomorrow.
Awww, Doris!! I'm glad that everything is being arranged, but I understand your dilemma about telling him about it. Pain meds, pain meds, pain meds!! Thank goodness for that, at least. I know this will be hard, though. We'll be praying for you guys.
You're a mom, its our job to think through everything and often worry. Everything is going to go great. Sammy's legs look better and better with each surgery and it will be great that this is the last. If you need someone to watch the girls at any point, give me a call. The dogs would love kiddie visitors :)
Oh, I get stressed for you just thinking about this. I'm sorry you both have to go through this. I have no idea when you tell him. Maybe a week before? So it sinks in a little? But I really have no idea.
You can come hang out at our house for 6-10 weeks! And we'll come to yours too :).
i am so sorry!! just thinking about sammie in all that pain makes me sick!!! i can't imagine how you must feel. good luck, i know you'll figure out all the details and it will work out!
I have no idea other than pray about it. I know that just with the move we are doing the kids are stressing, Christian is having nightmares, and even Mike and I aren't sleeping as well. So for that, I have no idea. You and Sammy will be in our prayers! It will all be worth it in the end, it sounds like. Just don't let your heart break during it. And maybe both of you get a blessing! Just an idea!
Aw! Cute little Sammy. It is so hard to see your kids go through things like this. I always have to remind myself that kids understand way more then we give credit. I bet you could tell him about the surgery now. They always handle it so much better then expected. Let me know what we can do to help...you'll need it!
You know him best, but my first thought is to sit him down soon and explain the whole thing to him. Explain what they are going to do, that his legs will be in casts, and I would get out a calendar and show him approx. how long he'll be in casts. I'd tell him it's going to hurt, but that he will get "feel better medicine" and I would tell what the summer will probably be like. I would also talk to him about trusting his heavenly Father, about being brave (perhaps look at some Bible characters who faced fearful circumstances - like David and Goliath and Jesus who faced the Cross!) and how God will help him. I would pray with him everyday about it and ask him what sort of things he would like when he is recuperating, maybe a fun trip to look forward to when he can walk again, etc. As hard and scarey as all this is, this is also a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to see God comfort him and encourage him and help his faith grow. God will deposit things in Sammy's little heart and character that could never have been deposited any other way. He will be a comfort and an example to others who will suffer physical afflictions. He'll also take his cues from you as well. He'll know that you're scared and that's ok. It's normal, but you can show him how to handle fear and uncertainty with prayer and memorizing helpful scriptures that give strength and hope. God bless you! I'll be praying for you and your family.
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