I love my husband's perspective. Last Wednesday, I was filled with anxiety. It was affecting me badly. He reminded me that all of this was just an adventure...one that we would come out on the other side of. I love the way he thinks. Here's how our adventure went...
Early Thursday morning we said good-bye to our three youngest and headed to Atlanta with Philip. Philip is a pleasure to travel with. He's easy going...doesn't complain...carries on entertaining conversation at times and quietly reads/watches videos at other times.
Our first stop was Dr. Schrader's office. After a few x-rays and a range of motion examination, Dr. Schrader told us he was changing the plans yet again. You see first we were told he needed the core decompression surgery (least invasive). After the MRI, we were told he was between the core decompression and femoral osteotomy (much more invasive). At a doctor's visit after Elizabeth's wedding, Dr. Schrader made the decision to do the core decompression. Back and forth it seemed...each time I prepared myself mentally.
The x-rays showed that Philip's femoral head was already compressed and flattened...not great news...but it meant that he was pass the core decompression helping. However, his femoral head was well contained and his range of motion was good so the osteotomy was not necessary either...very good news! He decided to still put him under anesthesia and do another detailed x-ray that would check his cartilage and then simply cast him. We were still anxious due to the anesthesia but thrilled that surgery was avoided.
After a visit to orthotics to get fitted for the brace he will wear after the cast and a visit with the physical therapist, we headed to Elizabeth and David's for Philip's favorite part of the trip! Elizabeth fixed a great dinner and we enjoyed spending time with the newlyweds!
Early the next morning we arrived at Scottish Rite Hospital for Philip's procedure. There are no words to describe the quality of care we received from all parties involved. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a first rate deal. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We checked in and met with several nurses, doctors, fellows, etc. Some 'goofy juice' to relax him (I wanted some too) and before we knew it he was off.
Saying goodbye was hard for me but Philip seemed relaxed at that point. He wasn't gone for even an hour before Dr. Schrader returned to say that everything went well. He was satisfied with the cartilage and was able to cast him. Once Philip began to awaken, they returned him to us.
At first, he wasn't bothered by the cast...just the IV. Thank goodness for the iPad! It was a good distraction.
We stayed for a bit to make sure the anesthesia wore off okay, and then we were released.
Dr. Schrader wasn't quite comfortable releasing us to travel to Mobile, so we stayed one more night at Elizabeth and David's. Philip was a little uncomfortable. His stomach couldn't get settled and despite trying all sorts of foods he couldn't find something that tasted good. His spirits were a little down.
Two things brought him out of it....Uncle David got him ice cream...
and Daddy suggested a phone call to his brother, Daniel...
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| watching live college football on Dad's phone in the car! |
We have continued to do well at home. We have had tons of help from friends with food. I haven't cooked a dinner this week! Philip has been showered with gifts! The basket from his classmates alone looked better than a Santa Claus visit to this house!
While it is a little physically taxing carrying him around the house, I have to say that it is a little special having all this time alone with Philip. He is such a pleasurable kid to be around. I truly think that when I look back on this ten years from now, I will feel so blessed to have had some uninterrupted time with just him. He never complains...only thinks positively. Wonder who he gets that from? An adventure, indeed.
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