5 Weeks Post Op

Bailey had his 5 week post op appointment with Dr. Stotts yesterday.   We didn't really know what to expect.  Things had been going really well, but I did not want to get Baileys hopes up that he was getting his casts off or would be allowed to be partial weight bearing.   They did X-rays and they could see that the bones were healing up well.   So, they removed his casts and put him in walking casts.   They said he will probably be in those for a month, and should use crutches for a week or two just to help him with his balance.  

Bailey was so relieved, his legs were starting to itch like crazy and he couldn't do anything about it.  He is able to take the walking boots off to shower and sleep.    His calves are quite a bit smaller now, so he will need to work to strengthen his legs again.   They said that they will not clear him for athletics until he is able to hop on one foot.  So, I think that if he can get to that point by May or June we will be happy.  

I am just so blown away by how well he has recovered.  

No more riding in the wheelchair.

First thing he wanted to do was scratch his legs.  They itched so bad.

Back to school

So, Bailey went back to school last friday  (  9 days post surgery ).  To be honest he has been going stir crazy being stuck in the house.   He has required very little as far as pain relief in the past few days.  We have had to make adjustments and it has been interesting carrying him up the bleachers and stairs at ball games.  

I am interested to see what the doctor says when he has his follow up in a couple of weeks.   We are really just playing it by ear at this point.  We don't know what is in store after the 5 weeks of no weight bearing. 

There really isn't much else to add right now, he is doing pretty well and all, just wishes he could get around better on his own.  The wheel chair wheels slip on the carpet and the chair itself is so big and cumbersome it is hard to haul around.

Removed nerve blocks

So, as per the doctor's orders we removed the nerve block on Saturday around 1pm.   The Dr. said to make sure he took some medicine for the pain about 45 minutes before we removed it.  The most difficult part of the procedure was getting all of the tape and clear adhesive barrier off of the site.   There were long wires and tubes that were coiled up underneath the barrier.   After we had removed all of that I was just left looking at the leader going into his leg.   So, with a slow and steady pull I was able to remove the block from his leg.  There was probably 1-1.5 inches that was actually inside his leg.   Oh, I should probably add that it appeared that the "on q" balls were empty at the time I removed them.  There was some slight leaking that may have accounted for the loss.  So, I think it is fair to say that Bailey had been without the benefit of the nerve block for most of the day already when I removed it.   As of now ( Sunday night ) his pain level has not increased at all.   He is still getting by mostly on Motrin and Tylenol.   Pretty Amazing if you ask me.  

I think the biggest challenge for him still is getting to the bathroom, I got a portable commode for his bedroom that seems to help him out some.  

Two days post op and shooting hoops

Bailey felt good enough to go out and shoot some baskets tonight. Crazy kid!

Baileys legs

Nerve block

This is what the nerve blocks look like that he has going into both legs. There is a small bag of medicine attached to each tube.  He will have these in place until Saturday

Home to a non wheelchair friendly house

On Thursday ( one day post op ) I called in the morning and the nurse said that Bailey was doing very well.  His pain was under control and needed very little oxygen during the night.  During the day, the physical therapist came through and helped him learn how to transfer from his wheel chair to bed and back and forth. 

The next thing I know, I got a text from Bailey telling me that they were probably going to let him go home that day.    I went up to Primary Children's after work to see what was going on, and they had his discharge papers and everything all ready to go.

Bailey still has is "On Q" Balls in his legs that are his nerve blocks.  Those will come out Saturday afternoon.   He is to be completely non weight bearing on his legs for 5-6 weeks.   We will see Dr. Stotts for a follow up in 5 weeks.

The steps leading up to our front door were kind of rough to get the wheel chair up.  I took the wheelie bars off so that should help next time.   Transfering in and out of the car was tough.  I actually had to pick him up to put him in and take him out.    The halls in the house are narrow so take some tough maneuvering to navigate.   We also don't have a wheel chair friendly bathroom, so transferring to the toilet is very difficult.  I may have to look into another option to get us by for the next month and a half.

Bailey is still on scheduled medication every 3 hours or so.   They want to keep one step ahead of the pain.  So far, he has not really complained about the pain since being home. 

I had originally thought that he would be able to return to school next week, but after talking to the nurse yesterday, it looks like he will stay home next week too.   So, I need to get notes and books from teachers so he can catch up with homework assignments and tests.

I feel blessed that things went as well as they did. But, I realize that we still have quite a ways to go.  We appreciate your prayers and support.