Our daughter's second week "post casting" is drawing to a close. It was a week of incremental progression- for both Mommy and baby. Hip Chick returned to daycare this week and Mommy had a little difficulty letting go. I felt like Marlin from Finding Nemo, desperate to protect my child and her "lucky fin" from the outside world. I called two, if not three times, the first day and picked her up mid-afternoon. By week's end, she participated for a full day and I managed to avoid calling. We each have a little growing to do.
Below are our latest thoughts:
1. When her petrie cast was removed, her legs were slathered in thick, flakey, yellow scales- how do her legs look now?
Her legs shed constantly after cast removal and the final scales fell off approximately eight or nine days later. Her legs were a bit bruised and scuffed under the scales and are still healing.
What we found most surprising about her legs' condition was the oodles of hair we discovered under the scales. When she finished molting, she looked like Tarzan's sister. I was curious as to how common it is for children to leave their extensive casting with fur and polled my ever-ready support group of DDH moms. I received marked feedback, all stating that their children had grown surprising amounts of hair under their casts and it took up to a year for the hair to fall off. Our bodies are fantastic, aren't they? We have the most surprising defense mechanisms programmed into our genetic code.
2. How is her mobility progressing?
She can crawl on her knees for greater lengths of time, bit still army crawls mostly. She can stand on her right leg for increasing periods of time as well. She attempts to walk as often as possible, but her leg strength has not yet caught up with her determination. To "walk," she holds onto our hands while her legs bob as though she is a marionette.
3. How has she adjusted to the Rhino Brace?
At first, she would fuss at us for placing her into the brace. Now, she argues against us removing it in the morning. Her left leg's first movement out of the brace each morning seems to be a source of pain and frustration for her. Within a half hour, she appears to have moved past it. She has also learned how to maneuver in the brace. It is lighter and less confining than the spica, but the positioning is more comfortable for her.
4. Are nights growing easier yet?
She still whimpers and fusses in her sleep. This keeps the household a bit jumpy, as she seems to wake about four times an hour.
5. How are outings progressing?
Much easier than the casts! Since she can fit into shopping carts and restaurant high chairs, we have more freedom. Yesterday, I took her shopping and out to lunch on my own! We visited our local Puple Cow Diner (photo above).I have missed our mommy-daughter dates. Today, she will visit my mother and grandmother's house for the first time this year.
We still have opportunities, though. Last night, we attended a kid-friendly dinner party at a friend's home. Everyone was very kind and gracious, but I found myself silently comparing her to the other children in terms of development and fought the urge to make excuses for her crippled leg. I also need to round myself out a bit- since her diagnosis six months ago, I have focused on little other than DDH and work... which means I have little to offer in conversation aside from those topics. Regardless of Tuesday's news, it's time for me to invest a little more in my own interests.
6. Speaking of development, how is she progressing at daycare?
Due to all of the changes in early July and this Tuesday's appointment, her progression has been slightly delayed. She will be about one to two months behind her peers in moving to the next class, which is minor in the scope of everything on her plate.
Hip Chick is a smart chick and she will do just fine once we receive more direction regarding her mobility concerns this week. Of course, we will need to pair with her daycare after Tuesday's appointment. We are endlessly thankful for their partnership and need to ensure we are all comfortable with what needs to occur next to manage her care.
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