Spica four, the hell of DDH
Monday morning came around and before I knew it we were walking the corridor once more. The same corridor we have walked down four times previously. This time I was saying goodbye to Erin for a few more hours. The reality hit home as we entered theatre and Erin screamed and told her anaesthetist that she would not be going sleep. She clamped her chubby little hand over her mouth to resist the gas that would put her to sleep once more. She knew what was coming and it broke my already splintered heart yet again.
Three long hours later I took my little girl from the nurse in recovery, yet again she was bound in purple from tummy to toes. The resignation in her eyes was nearly more than I could bear. She has already been through so much, more than a two year old should have been.
This time the pain of a salters osteotomy is clear to see and hear. Erin is in pain, her eyes show this, as she fixes in the distance.
Day one passes in a fitful doze for Erin. Life isn’t so peaceful for mummy who is now sharing a ward. I have no bed, just a reclining chair which launches me across the ward every time I move. I have no blanket.
Day two began positively, Erin’s pain was under control and I was hopeful that we would be making a quick escape and be home sooner than planned. However it began to change. Erin’s temperature spiked and It became clear that something was changing.
Day two night time. A bad fitful night, temperature and body spasms took hold of my little girl. It was upsetting to see and I felt quite helpless.
Day three, with a very high temperature I could see our early get away slipping through my fingers. Then the vomiting started resulting in me swearing a bit too loudly for a childrens ward. As a spica mum we are quite paranoid and competitive about keeping our casts clean. I had visions of leaving with mine stinking on day three! Pead doctors were called but long before they arrived I diagnosed the problem myself. Erin’s ear has perforated for the 3rd time in nine weeks. This is the likely cause of infection and the reason for the temperatures.
So here we are for our third night, Erin in bed and me on a chair, wineless! Living the high life with my girl.
Tags: DDH, Hip dysplasia, salters osteotomy, spica
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Comments (14)
super amazing mum
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poor you, poor Erin….hoping she is better soon and you can both get out of there….
xxx
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Jane
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oh emma, i remember those nights well,
tell erin I have pink tape for her!
sending wine soaked hugs
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Sonia
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Oh honey! *Hugs* Hope she’s better soon and you can go home and get some rest xxx
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Emma
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Oh Emma, my heart goes out to you. I hope you both get home soon, and the next 6 weeks pass quickly. xxx
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Helloitsgemma
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sending love, love, love. hang in there hun. XX
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Kylie
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I can’t even begin to comprehend what you both are going through
Hope things get better soon and Erin feels better xx
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Onehipworld
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once again, my heart breaks….I hate this so much for you guys….all of you….for all of us !!!! I will keep fighting, I promise !!!!!!
Sending great big hugs to all of you !!!! – Gina <3
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liveotherwise
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You don’t even get a bed? Aw, that’s rough. Hope you’re both home soon.
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Molly
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Oh Emma, my heart’s breaking for you and your little girl. Love to you and Erin, here’s hoping all this is over soon and you can get home to your well deserved wine!
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Best of the UK Parent Blogs: Ten at Ten (58) | Tots 100
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[...] Poor Emma is currently in Hospital Hell; little Erin isn’t having a great time; she’s back in cast and poorly on the ward. Spica Four, The Hell of DDH [...]
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Actually Mummy
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Oh it’s so unfair! You’re so lovely and cheerful, and I bet she is too. I would be a miserable old cow in your shoes. Hope it all goes to plan next
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Emma
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Thanks – i do try to remain positive. Although its been hard this week.
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Belfast Mummy
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It is so difficult for both you and your poor angel. I have just read Erin’s story and after the tears it made me so angry. My daughter had DDH but she was born in Dublin. In Ireland everyone is checked at birth and there is a scan if any doubt/risk factor. Creases and hips are checked at every developmental check. This means many babies are caught early and can be treated by brace/harness without the need for operations and spicas. Ireland is behind in many ways (e.g. no new born hearing tests) but on hips they really are on the ball. It is so awful that this delay by medical professionals, missing the most obvious flags have put both of you through so much. x
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Emma
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Thanks for commenting. Is your lo all sorted now? Erin was checked at birth and six weeks but missed. I am most angry with the health vistors who spotted the signs at nine months but didnt act upon it. I just hope by blogging I am raising awareness.
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