She wanted Harlie to wear the brace for another month. But we compromised with two weeks. That way she will have it off for school. I told her that she doesn't complain - it's me that hates it. And I recognize that the long-term goals of healing are more important than the pain of dealing with the brace, so if she really wanted us to keep it on, I would. But, she said that two weeks will be fine. That way when she goes potty at school, she'll be able to do it on her own. It is hard to get her shorts up and down with the brace because it goes past her hips.
So, I'm thinking her surgeon would not have approved of this activity...
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| Notice Cooper posing. What a ham! |
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| Weeee! |
How could I deny her this fun? There is only so much activity I can make her miss.
Anyway, when she gets home after school, we need to put the brace back on her for the rest of the day. And over time we can wean her off the brace by waiting longer and longer to put it back on her. She said that it can actually be more of a discomfort to stop wearing the brace cold turkey because all those muscles haven't had to work much over the last five plus months.
I asked if she could resume normal activity once the brace comes off. I had my hopes up for a gymnastics birthday party for her since she loved it so much and hasn't been able to go since the surgery. But she said no. No gymnastics until she sees her next and she will decide then.
So, the next time we see her? MARCH 2012!!!! I am SO bummed!!! She loved gymnastics!
On a positive note, the surgeon said that her x-rays looked "beautiful." On the side view one, she is much straighter than she was. She said that she could start to curve forward over time - but she hopes that doesn't happen. Of course.
Harlie is so cute getting x-rays. She stands there and does everything the x-ray tech asks her to do. And he was hilarious because he said, "okay, move your little foot back some. Exactly." and then "bring your little feet together. Exactly". He was cracking me up.
Oh, and she can only carry a light backpack. Which, I already knew, really. But it just goes to show you how long this recovery is taking and how many things are affected. Spinal fusion surgery is no joke. I think I would have to say it has been the worst surgery so far. And I sure hope we don't have to do it again.
On the way home there was an earthquake that measured 5.9. The epicenter was in Mineral, VA, 25 miles from our home. According to FB, it was felt from North Carolina to Canada. We were in the car not that far from home, and we felt nothing. I guess when you're moving 70 miles an hour in a car, you don't notice the ground shaking. So, I apparently missed the biggest news story of the day. Oh well.
Oh, and would you believe our luck? We decided just a few days ago to try and take the kids to the beach - together - all of us - as a family. Harlie has never been. Tom took Monday off. And after I run the Patrick Henry Half Marathon this Saturday, we were going to go to Virginia Beach to stay with some friends who we haven't seen in a long time. We were going to go to the beach on Sunday and take a baby pool and umbrella for Harlie (since she cannot go into the water - other than just her feet, of course) and we were going to have so much fun!
And now Hurricane Irene is totally screwing up our plans. The only FUN plans we had for the entire summer. I am so, so disappointed!!!! And I don't think we can squeeze it in after the storm passes. A whole summer and the kids have done nothing exciting. The boys and Tom went camping and boating a few weekends ago - but Harlie had to stay home with me. I am so mad at myself for not making more of an effort earlier in the summer. But it was SO busy!!! Well, I am not giving up hope yet - but according to reports, it is not likely to happen.
Oh! And my nephew, Charlie, is playing in the Babe Ruth Little League 13-year old World Series Tournament in NY. Well, tonight his team won and Charlie got MVP!!! He hit the winning run. So now they play again tomorrow night. What a great experience for him! Congratulations, Charlie!!!
Okay, that's it for today. More later!
Thanks,
~Christy
2 comments:
Oh I love seeing Harlie have so much fun, that really helps me focus on the future with John. Sorry about the hurricane foiling the weekend!
It's fantastic seeing Harlie doing so well climbing up and sliding down. She is unstoppable!
I can imagine how ready you are for that brace to come off! I'm glad though that it doesn't affect her mobility. It's great that her spine is looking good. I sure hope you don't have to go through it again.
My fingers are crossed that you get to get away for some special family time before the start of school. We're on the countdown now, aren't we?!
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