It's Not That Bad (But Please Keep Sending Food and Offering to Watch Our Kids)

We are 6 days post-surgery with Elena. The first two days were not especially pleasant, but things have taken a positive turn. She hasn't needed any pain medication for 2-3 days. Here is a picture of the two kids sharing the iPad.

Until yesterday, Elena had zero mobility. It was like having an infant with big lungs who could speak (read: scream). While Karen was trying to take a nap, the kids were in the basement watching a show. When I heard some hysterical giggling, I went down there to investigate, and found Elena had crawled out of her chair and over to the base of the stairs. She was very proud of herself. She then proceeded to climb the stairs and traversed the entire house to ruin Karen's nap.

Karen had her book club meeting today, so I was on kid duty. I conned my brother into helping me take the kids fishing. We had a great time, and Elena even managed to catch two fish at once!

I'm not a big Facebook poster, but I did post this picture an hour ago. It already has 36 likes and 8 comments. Seriously people, get a hobby!!!

We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get through the past week. We actually cooked dinner for the first time since the surgery tonight (although we have more meals from friends in the freezer). Our friends and family are the best! Thank you!

I did some internet research prior to her surgery trying to see what we should expect over the next 6 weeks. I really couldn't find much information posted in the form of personal stories. Since this blog is publicly available, I hope other anxious parents will read this and realize that it really isn't that bad.

Also, FYI, if your kid goes through this, we have found that going to the bathroom and car seat issues really aren't that big of a deal once you get some practice. Elena will be going back to school tomorrow, and she fits in her normal car seat. She did not fit in a normal car seat after her first surgery, so I think it varies depending upon how the cast is shaped.

Keywords: spica cast; hip osteotomy surgery, 5 year-old, body cast, expectations, recovery, hip dysplasia,