7-9-07
Today was the big day, the cast is off! The great face-off with THE SAW went much better than expected even generating smiles from Miles. Granted, he had taken full doses of Tylenol-3 and valium before the appointment, but we didn't see tears until the cast was off and Miles was able to move those stiff legs.
He's been outfitted in a brace. He'll be spending less and less time in the brace until he just sleeps in it at night. It is far more comfortable than the cast and the purpose is to keep him from crossing his legs and to help him transition from the cast. He's able to bend at the hips and knees and has been moving quite a bit. Most of this movement is due to muscle spasms as his freed muscles adjust, and it doesn't seem to be causing him a great deal of pain. We're going to keep him on a regular schedule of painkillers and valium for a couple of days, then wean him back off by the weekend.
He does have a minor infection at one of his three incision sites (the other two look good). It didn't quite close right in the middle. It should clear up pretty quickly now that we can get to it and treat it. We are hoping to get Miles into the pool as soon as next week!
He will resume physical therapy next week, starting gently with range of motion exercises and gradually progressing until he can resume normal activities. He should be able to go to speech and occupational therapy this week as usual. Hopefully he won't be too spacey!
The highlight of our day was the the first of many baths to come. Hopefully, the next bath will be a regular bath, but we didn't want to push it today. Miles was a bit "earthy" smelling, and getting him nice and clean was a big relief for all of us.
Annie
THE SAW
"This isn't as bad as last time..."
The "crab cracker."
Goodbye to the front of the cast.
The calm after the fury.
What was done. If you look carefully on his left hip, you can see where bone was inserted (it's the whiter part). There are clear signs of healing.
The new brace. Bionic boy!
Free at last.
Through 7-5-07
We missed the 4th of July parade in our neighborhood, so we made our own. It wasn't too hot to stay out for a few minutes, and there was a nice breeze.
The difference was THREE hot dogs...
Through 7-2-07
Miles is doing remarkably well. He's really gotten into a routine, and is mostly smiles and very talkative. He's figured out how to move quite a bit despite the cast.
Therapy last week went very well, and he worked hard for his therapists. Granted, the first ten minutes of therapy, we think he was just enjoying not being at home! Both his speech therapist and occupational therapist adapted to his position. Everyone at the therapy center was impressed with his wagon!
On Saturday, Lolo and Lola left to return to Ohio. Miles was a bit out of sorts and did have some moments... Clearly, he was used to having his grandparents around!
Sunday, Rachel and Ellie stopped by with their parents to pick up their wagon and a visit. Miles LOVED seeing the girls and had a fabulous visit. He was very talkative and quite impressed with their tumbling! After the visit, Miles took a nice, long nap.
Miles and I have been doing just fine on our own for this week. Daddy comes home for lunch, and he is five minutes away if there is an emergency. We have confidence that there will be no issues for the next week.
July 9 is cast off day. We can't wait. Any of you who have had a cast understand that after time, it builds up kind of a funk all its own. His cast is well decorated by stickers (we'll post a final photo before the cast comes off!). We hope that there is not a second cast. Depending on how Miles is healing, he may get a brace or a wedge for sleeping rather than a second cast. If we do need another cast, we'll have to decide on a color, or should Miles go with red again?
Annie
6-22 and 23-07
Miles is back into his routine and as much back to "normal" as one can be in a full body cast. Lolo and Lola have enjoyed playing with him and his toys. Everyone is amused by the television programs Miles enjoys (Nascar, the Backyardigans, the Upside Down Show among others).
Zoe came to visit with her parents and Miles enjoyed the pink feather boa dance the best. He didn't seem to mind at all being covered in pink feathers! Even though he slept through the first part of the visit, he was delighted to wake up to an energetic guest.
On a walk with Lolo
Zoe with Miles
THE SAW
"This isn't as bad as last time..."
The "crab cracker."
Goodbye to the front of the cast.
The calm after the fury.
What was done. If you look carefully on his left hip, you can see where bone was inserted (it's the whiter part). There are clear signs of healing.
The new brace. Bionic boy!
Free at last.
