Operation day – going into Spica for Developmental Dysplasia

Being on the ward for 7.30 was just the start of a long day.  I had verged between bring it on and don’t touch my baby in equal measures.  It had been a whirlwind since her DDH diagnosis and since we had been told that she would require multiple operations to fix her hip. The symptoms of DDH had been present a long time but it took a while for the dots to be joined up.

As it neared 8am one of the surgeons who was going to be in theatre came to see us, he explained again what procedure Erin was about to undergo and I had to sign the forms, outlining the usual associated risks – I had no choice but to sign but I am sure you can imagine how as a mum I was feeling.  Then the consultant came in to say hi to Erin, his no nonsense approach is actually very comforting, I really do believe she is in safe hands. 

When the time came to go to theatre Erin insisted on walking all the way there.  I tried to pick up her for a long cuddle and snuggle but she was having none of it, my little miss wanted her independence and how could I begrudge that knowing it was to be the last time she is able to walk for the next year or so.

As agreed, Lee took Erin into the room whilst I waited outside.  As she went in the tears fell and I felt so helpless, Lee and I then wondered down for a coffee.  I wanted to get her a helium balloon for when she awoke and looked at them in the shop, however they mostly  said ‘get well soon’.  They didn’t seem right as Erin is not ill as such and the getting well isn’t going to be any time soon, we settled on a bright yellow cheery face.

When we were collected to go to Erin in the recovery room my heart was pounding.  I wanted to hold her but was frightened about how to hold her.  As we walked down the long corridor to recovery room the nurse explained that Erin was very distressed and not to be alarmed that she was being so vocal.  I however was shocked as I turned the corridor and could her her wailing.   I rushed towards her with all my instincts wanting to soothe my tiny precious bundle I took her from the nurse who was holding her and tried in vain to calm her.  This was probably the lowest point so far, I could see the fear in Erin’s face and she was trying to rip out the cannula.  As I restrained both her arms she was headbutting and screeching.  As Erin sank her teeth into my arm I yelped in shock and the nurse quickly drew up codeine to calm her.  After that she relaxed within a couple of minutes and just sank back against me, nuzzling herself into my arms.  We then walked back along that same corridor, this time there was no option of her walking, the cast goes from her waist to ankles on both legs.  I was surprised at the weight of it and had not anticipated quite how heavy she will be now.  She also has a bar across that digs in as I hold her.

Back in the comfort and privacy of our side room we took the blanket of to look at the cast for the first time.  Erin seemed to notice it herself at this point and kept tapping it.  After a trip to the plaster room to be sleeked and I stop off for a CT scan we were closely monitored.  Erin wolfed down the toast that she was offered – that girl never loses her appetite!!

Currently Erin doesn’t like being handled much, but unfortunately she needs reposititoning every half hour or so.  The nappy changes are challenging and neither she nor me are completely comfortable with that yet.

Thankfully we were allowed home at about 5pm and now it seems the daily challenges start.  I had a idea what it would be like, but it is far more cumbersome that I had imagined.  However Erin’s spirit is amazing and if she can cope then I’ll take my strength from her!

First hours in spica cast

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10 Responses

  1. Oh Emma honey!!! *BIG HUGS* what a day it has been for you!! I’m crying reading this too!! I just want to say that you are both very brave and Erin will soon adjust to being in plaster – my nephew had them when he was small and was always at the hospital getting new ones as he had made holes in the knees where he had crawled around 🙂

    take care xxx

  2. Erin is a trooper.
    You may be interested in what other spica cast care givers are saying about the CastCooler. You can Google “CastCooler Spica cast” and find that.

    Also, check out the Spica Cast Care tips on the site.

    Regards,

    Rick

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