Winter Sucks!

Anyone who knows me well knows I am not a big fan of winter time. The cold weather is just not my cup of tea and after the first snowfall I'm ready for it to be over. To top it off, winter has always been the time of year Ava complained the most about her legs before surgery and apparently that is not going to change. There are all sorts of statistics out there that claim children with hip dysplasia or dislocation suffer from little or no pain. Sorry I don't buy it! First of all how can doctors even know what a baby or toddler are feeling?? Most dysplasia is caught before a child can talk, so of course he/she is not complaining because they have no idea it's pain they are feeling. Many babies with dysplasia are late crawlers or walkers because it is difficult for them, leading me to believe there is discomfort (or pain) making them not wanting to do it. Ava was always a fussy baby and once she could talk cried that her legs, knees and belly (we now know it was probably pelvic area) hurt. Some of her worst fits were on cold, snowy or damp days. She often woke up during the winter months and was crying before she left her bed.

My "hip" girl!

So here we are 7 months later in the mist of winter months. Ava is doing great and I see her improvement and healing daily. People that see her comment how much healthier and happier she looks. She's friendlier and more out going in many ways. (And she quickly learned she can use the fact she had two hip surgeries to her benefit.) She is still going to physical therapy to help her get her flexibility back which will improve her walking and help her fully run again. I see this amazing improvement since the cast removal in September but at times I can see it can be frustrating to her that she's not 100%. She adapts quite easily but I just want her to feel better. I can not wait for her to be able to do things automatically and not have to work so hard. When she gets tired her left foot swings out we have to remind her to concentrate to hold it straight or she will bare her weight with her shoulders making her "waddle" worse. When she runs her "waddle" or limp is very distinct, it's apparent somethings off. I often see people staring which makes me want to scream. Sometimes I feel this need to say "She had hip surgery."

So bringing me back to my complaint about winter... there have been a few mornings recently that Ava has woken up cranky and teary complaining her boo boos hurt (where her plates & pins are on her femur) or her knees hurts. When Ava says her knees hurt I want to throw up because that was always her number one complaint before surgery. Each time this has happened it has always been on a damp cold day. Last week we were picking Jack up from school, it was very cold out and as we started walking towards the school (this is huge for Ava to want to walk this distance) she says to me "Mommy it's to cold out, my legs ache so much." My heart just broke for her and I just wanted to cry. Is this what it's going to be like for her  cold weather?? Will it get better or will it be something she adapts to?? I don't think her doctor can give me that answer because everyone is different. Ask anyone that has had a broken bone or surgery they always complain of a pain or ache in cold weather. Like everything else Ava takes this in stride and keeps moving forward.

In the last few days David and I both noticed Ava is limping. When we ask her if something hurt she replies "No." She is not complaining of pain but will say her legs are tired. She refuses to do her stretching exercises at home (she's a stubborn one!) which is not helping. My assumption is the cold weather is making her stiff which in turn makes her less flexible. Anyone with a "hip" child knows what anxiety this can cause when you see a limp. All the worst possible things run through your head and you begin to worry even more (if that's possible.) So for me (and Ava) winter can not end soon enough! We go back to visit Dr. A on February 15, I can not wait for the appointment. We will do a follow up x ray (I know it will be perfect!) and hopefully we will schedule her final surgery to remove the plates and pins. In the mean time keep Ava in your thoughts and prayers, may her pain and discomfort subside and let her enjoy being 5 like every other child. I'm not sure I'll ever stop worrying (what parent doesn't) but I look forward to the day this is not on my mind 24/7. as always I'm so proud of my brave little butterfly! Hurry up Spring!!! XOXOX