Thanks so much for all the prayers and kind words! I would like to personally email each of you, and perhaps I will, but right now I just want you all to know how much it means to know you are thinking of us! I especially appreciate all the suggestions and ideas for practical handling of this situation. Anyone else who has been in this boat, I’d love to hear how you made it through.
I posted the picture above over at Twitter, me and Henry out on a walk. I think we will be doing a lot of this, because there isn’t a whole lot else he can do at this point. I’m not sure when I’ll start encouraging him to lay on the floor, I’m guessing you wait for at least a week or so for that.
So right now it’s a lot of laying in the bed, or in my lap (as best he can) or in the stroller. This stroller is a GOD send. I’m so glad my sister remembered the stroller (which was in the attic) and suggested it might actually work. It’s perfect. The only issue is Henry’s left leg, the leg in the shorter cast (the other side goes all the way to his ankle) so I just took a plastic cutting board to prop up the leg. My friend Susie (the nurse) suggested I put a kitchen towel around the board to prevent any skin irritations. So voila! It does the trick.
We do have a sweet car seat that we “checked out” from the hospital. That’s wonderful and at this point, it’s the only place Henry can be in an upright position. So I fed him lunch in the car today.
Things have been good so far but I am tired and it’s all starting to catch up with me a bit. When I pick up Henry and it’s like holding a gigantic fiberglass rectangle, it makes me cry. Every single time. I cry harder (but not too hard so as to freak him out) when he gently rubs my shoulder and burrows his head into my neck.
Oh honey. My thoughts (and prayers) are with you. Owen is just a little younger and as I watch him tear through the house, I can’t imagine how tough this must be for you. Hang in there. xoxo
My thoughts and prayers are with your little guy! I hope he heals up soon!!!!
I’m a fairly silent (but faithful) reader, but this just made me have to comment… I’m so sorry that you and your family (especially Henry) have to deal with this. Of course, as the mom, the bulk of the difficulty falls on your shoulders.
That poor little guy… oh, this just breaks my heart.
I cried too when my 18 month old son started wearing a TLSO (back brace that encircles the torso from shoulders to sacrum) 24 hours a day. It broke my heart to hold him and be hugging that hard plastic shell instead of his soft body. He wore a brace until the age of 9 when we were finally done with it. It comforted me to pray the Memorare and I did eventually stop crying (well before he turned 9). When I saw your first photo I included not only Henry but you in my intentions. I wish you fortitude during this very trying time.
Every day that goes by means you are one day closer to getting the darn thing off Henry! (I don’t mean to be mrs. positive attitude here b/c I think I too would be breaking down. I am just *trying* really hard to look at the positive side of another day gone by …)
I have been praying for you and Henry since I saw the first picture you posted. Although we have never met, I feel a kinship with your family from your blog, and your uncanny way of capturing the exact description of being a mother of boys. Hang in there – no matter what the injury, it always bruises our mother’s heart to see our children in pain.
I’ll continue my prayers of quick healing for Henry and strength for you and your family.
As the mom of a 14 month old who can't crawl or walk yet I can relate to an immobile toddler. Some day soon I'll bring Max down so they can lay around together.
Until then here are some things that keep Max busy : BALLS – loves to bounce them, throw them roll them, has even figured out how to play catch with himself by throwing the ball at the wall; BLOCKS – stacking and knocking down, putting together(like big Legos); CAUSE & EFFECT TOYS; SITTING/LAYING next to cabinet with Tupperware, bowls, etc. that he can pull out.
It's not much but I hope it helps. This and the prayers we're sending your way!
Having been there – you might try a mattress on the floor and let your son lay on it on his stomach. You can have his feet hanging over the end or propped, whatever is comfortable. Then he can play with toys in front of him on the mattress or on the floor in front of the mattress. Blocks or cars and trucks work well. It’s fun and distracting. And, the prone work will help prevent him from getting weak while he’s in the cast, and will allow for easier progress getting back on his feet once the cast is removed.
Awww! That poor little guy. And poor Mommy. I am praying for his full and quick healing and for your peace Rachel. How are the other boys handling this?
I saw the picture of poor, little Henry and might heart went out to him. And you. I have prayed for you. Sorry. You both will get through this with God’s help and come out stronger!
AW. That last picture is a doozy, but this one is all about clever. Will keep praying for you all, your mom’s heart and his sweet femur. Happily, my husband is an orthopod and little kids heal fast! Way faster than us old folks….I know this from personal experience (4 boys..nuff said). Hang in there and know you’re in our prayer! M
I meant… “my” heart.
You and your family are in our prayers. As he feels better he’ll be getting so active you’ll be worrying about slowing him down. It is always surprising how these little guys can bounce back. And you will find all kinds of ways to prop him in different positions. Be thankful it is not traction! It will keep his brothers busy being inventive with activities. Spoil him well. I know of no other alternative!
Oh man, no fun! My niece was 15 mos old when she was diagnosed with developmental hip dysplasia and underwent surgery to correct the ball & socket joints and had the spica for a while…I recommend a beanbag for Henry to sit it–it can be "molded" around the cast and seemed to give her enough support to be upright and not uncomfortable.
Just remember…you’ve got people. We’re here for you. My Paul said that that picture of Henry made him want to cry, and that’s saying something. love and prayers, Heather
I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I am praying for you, Henry and the rest of your family. God bless you always, but (hopefully) especially at this trying time.
Rachel – my heart went out to little Henry when I saw the first picture. I pray for strength for you and your husband as you adjust. I’ve read your blog for over a year now, and always enjoy your take on life. I have no doubt that you will soon use this difficult time in your life to touch others. God bless.
My little 4 year old just got out of his hip spica cast 2.5 weeks ago. It was a long 7 weeks in the cast but with lots of prayer you can make it through.
We had 2 different bean bag chairs. Peter enjoyed being upright and I also used it so he could lay on his tummy.
We also used lots of little stuffed animals to lift his ankle/knee off the cast. The flatter the better and then you can fold them into position.
Peter had a bell to ring when he needed something. I have 4 other children and could not be with him at every moment and we would tuck it under his pillow at night.
I bought a melamine TV tray at Wal-Mart that he ate off of and also used for crafts.
Lots of pillows. The hospital gave us 3 extra pillows just to get him home. We didn’t have a carseat that would fit him and had to use a harness system and transport him laying down. Then we used pillows to prop him up. Needless to say we didn’t take him in the van too often.
Push the fluids. Peter lost about 7 pounds while in the cast. I gave him whole milk and then put Carnation Instant Breakfast in it to boost the calories. Peter’s appetite went way down and getting any food in him at times was a struggle.
I used a notebook to keep track of what was going on –ins/outs/meds/food/ turning schedule and then noted the time on it. That way I could remember what happened and when and if he needed to be turned. After about 3 -4 weeks of the cast, we fell into a better pattern and I didn’t need to be so vigilant.
Do make sure that you follow the instructions on frequent turning. Peter’s skin looked great all the way until the end. This is key to keeping your little guy healthy. I set my alarm to get up twice a night. It was tough but worth it.
I did need a Ped-egg for his feet because my guy did develop some hug callouses.
Friends and family did send gifts for him to open and I dolled them out over the weeks versus giving them all to him at once. That really helped.
One great gift was glow wands. Peter loved to take one to bed each night.
Also make sure that you don’t give him a toy with small pieces. They can fall into his cast and he may not realize it. Yes, this happened to use and getting it out was difficult (it went up the leg that had the short cast). Also I put a towel around his neck each time he ate so that crumbs would not fall into his cast. I did cut up his food small because I was worried about choking – can you imagine doing a Heimlich with that cast? You can’t. That made me much more aware of what he ate. No nuts, no hard candy, no gum. Your little guy is probably too small to even eat that stuff. I even cut up his grapes.
A friend who sews converted a pair of pants, about 5 sizes bigger than what he wears (Peter wore a 4 and we converted a size 12) and put velcro on the sides. That way we had something for him to wear. We also had cold weather and you may not need that.
My prayers are with you as I am not that far from having a child in a hip spica.
If you need any other ideas, please let me know.
Blessings,
Anne
Rachel – My heart goes out to you and that sweet little boy. So sorry you are going through this. Know that you are in our prayers! May his recovery go quickly!
Your family is in our prayers. I am guessing you know this already, but just in case – netflix – the watch instantly feature is great and there are quite a few good tv shows for your little guy, for those times when a tv distraction is needed. Or if you plan ahead & put some movies in your queue, you can read some great books like, The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Make Way for Ducklings, and then watch the movie of it. Wish I could offer more.
Rach -
We are praying for you and Henry everyday. If you’d like to walk around the block, please call. I go to the grocery store all the time, so if you need something, please call. I’d be happy to pick something up for you.
- Kelly
My prayers are with Henry and his family. God is in control and He will take care of all of you.
Rachel- My son Jack just broke his arm yesterday…. he is young also… only 2. It is breaking my heart. I will pray for Henry as I pray for him. Take care.
Sarah (Ria’s Sister)
I’m soo sorry to hear about Henry!! My 18 mth old just broke his tibia and he is in a cast. You are the type of person that can handle this situation with flying colors. We are praying for Henry to have a speeding recovery.
Poor baby! Poor Mommy! I’m so sorry! I will keep you and Henry in my prayers.
My heart just sank when I saw the first picture. You will all be in our prayers. God bless you.
Rachel! I just found out about Henry!!! Expect more prayers coming your way!
Bless your heart, Rachel! I am so sorry this happened! But I am grateful for all the comments with helpful suggestions – we are looking ahead to a surgery on our 6 y/o, Janine, that will put her in a cast like this (bilateral derotational osteotomies). Please send any spare prayers this way! May dear Henry heal quickly.
Henry has been in my prayers lately. God bless.
My eyes are full too. I am so sorry for your little one. I will pray for quick healing for him and for much strength for you and your family!
Poor baby! He’s in our prayers for a speedy recovery!
Rachel, I'm a bit behind in checking in on your blog but have seen this news on F&F and been praying for all of you. The picture of Henry in his cast reminds me of photos of my sister, who was born premature with cerebral palsy and had to have at least four surgeries as a child that left her in a body cast for at least six weeks. I'm sure that what you're going through is terribly hard, but you can at least be thankful that this (Lord willing!) is a one-time thing that isn't caused by some greater problem and perhaps offer up some of your struggles for parents who are dealing with all of this day in and day out. Not to sound critical at all–I just know that it always helps me to try to keep things in perspective and remember in prayer those who having even greater challenges to face than I do. God be with you!
I am soooo sorry for what you are going through. I am praying for you and the family. I know this has got to be hard on everyone as Henry requires more of your time and efforts. Hang in there. I wonder if God doesn’t have something in mind for you, such as a slow-down time in your life. It will work out to the glory of God. Bless you and the beautiful Family. I love your blog, Hannah