Cast Change...

Waiting for cast change.

Today Ava went for her cast change from the Spica cast to the Petrie cast, should be easy, right??? We prepped her well over the last few weeks, it was going to be a piece of cake compared to the two surgeries. Through Ava's eyes not so much. It started last night with her telling us how she didn't want to get her cast changed and how she was fine just the way she is. Oh no, this is not good! We had to be at the hospital at 6:15am for her 7:30am appointment. Ava woke on her own around 4:30am... crying. "I don't want to change my cast!" There was no doubt, she was scared. Scared of the unknown, scared of being able to move more. As difficult as 10 weeks of being in a Spica was, we had it down pat and she was comfortable. She cried off and on the whole ride and while we waited. We got her to smile here and there and many of the nurses remembered her but she was not convinced this was a good idea. Dr A and came in for our consult then it was time to head in. Ava was very distraught as she was wheeled into the OR, she kept saying through tears "Please don't hurt me!!" I was heart broken. I hate that she has to endure so much and I can't take any of it away for her. I was escorted out in a haze of tears...let the waiting begin.

New green legs!

Before we knew it, Dr. A was walking our way. Wow that was quick! Exam, x ray and cast change took just about an hour, gosh that was nothing! Dr. A brought us into recovery while he explained the cast. As he pulled the covers off Ava it was not what I expected. Not sure what I thought it would be like but it was two green casted legs with a wood bar in between. Oh! This should be fun! He went on to explain how to take the bar out and twice a day we needed to exercise Ava's legs in a scissor movement, back and forth and side to side. Ava's hips look great and are still in place! Hooray!!! We needed to see him in a week for our post op visit and soon as Ava was ready we could head home. Ava came out of it okay but she was in pain. She was not happy about the IV being in nor with the interesting new cast. After much coaxing I got her to drink some apple juice and her vitals we're good. Yeah! We we're going home!! Now the fun begins,how do I move her??? Hmmmmm this should be interesting. David went to get the car and Ava's stroller and I got Ava dressed. The nurse took the IV out and all Ava wanted was for me to pick her up. As I began to move Ava she began to scream bloody murder!"It hurts!" Oh this is not good. Through screams and tears (hers and mine) we made it to the car. David helped me get her safely in her car seat and I climbed in the back with her by her request. Homeward bound we go!

Ava cried the whole way home. Every little bump Ava screamed "It hurts!" "I want to be home now!" At one point she even yelled "Stop hurting me!!" Poor David, he was doing in best but the pavement is just not smooth. Wow there are a lot of bumps and dips in the road, my poor girl. After an excruciating hour for all of us, we were finally home. Now getting her inside... Ava decided she wanted to sit in the car for a minute. She was anticipating pain and was in no hurry to be moved. David ran inside and set up her crib mattress she loves to lay on and I tried to calm Ava. Next thing I know she's yelling "I have to go potty!" and the flood gate opened. OH jeez! Pee was going every where! Through the pillow she sits on, down her car seat, onto the regular seat and puddling on the floor. I lifted Ava up as quick as I could while she yelled in pain. Seriously 10 weeks in  a Spica cast and not one accident, 3 hours in a Petrie cast and urine everywhere. I"m sure Ava's mole skin lining the cast needs to be changed but Ava is too scared to let me survey the damage. Once her pain subsides we'll check it out but until then I'm letting her be.

It has been an exhausting day already and it's only 1:30pm, I'm drained. I pray Ava's pain goes away quickly and she  starts to enjoy her freedom. She was such a brave girl! I'm sure the next few days will be a roller coaster of emotions but I'm sure in no time Ava will be back to herself. My little fighter is one step closer to this all coming to an end, Ava's the strongest little one I know!! On our way to strong healthy hips!!