Tomorrow morning, after 15 weeks, Evan will be without a Spica, full body, cast. He'll be fitted and placed in a brace for a month and after that he's free to learn to sit, crawl and walk. It's a good feeling to be on the opposite end of this journey; to know that he's almost free to develop like any other little one. In the final moments of the Spica I can't help, but look back on this experience with complete gratitude and a full heart.
Not long ago a boy born with a malformed hip would be forced to walk with a gentle limp; doomed to have severe arthritis; and eventually need a hip replacement by 30. His quality of life would be altered. Sports would definitely be out of the question. He would always be aware of his hip. Fortunately today that same boy can undergo a surgery, or two; two casts over a period of 15 weeks; a brace for a month and rigorous Physical Therapy. He can battle through all that before his 2nd birthday and be free from pain, limp, arthritis and any limitations. How lucky we must be!
A toddler in a full body cast, particularly during the spring and summer months, is no easy feat. There are many issues to address: his emotional well- being; his comfort; keeping him stimulated; providing him a sense of freedom; transporting him; and positioning to allow him to sit, sleep and play.
Emotionally I couldn't prepare Evan for this journey. He was standing and crawling one day and in a ton of pain with a cast from nipples to ankles the next. His reaction was intense, but it only lasted two days. He just accepted the situation and smiled through the entire process. To say we're blessed is an understatement. Keeping a growing boy stimulated and happy meant sacrificing some time. So the house was a little messier, or dinner wasn't on the table when his Daddy arrived home from work; those sacrifices were well worth the reward. The extra time, extra smiles, and all the kisses and loves I shared with Evan were some of the greatest moments of my life.
Making him comfortable throughout the day and while he slept consisted of many pillows, blankets, belts and even exercise bands. Creativity was key in this situation! Transportation was settled by a purchase of a new car seat that could accommodate the cast. Luckily insurance, after some prodding, paid for our seat. This seat, a Britax Hippo, was an incredible asset and we highly suggest this to others in our position. Another valuable asset, that is if you want to grocery shop; walk your dog; or go anywhere at length, is an infant carrier. Ours is a gently used Baby Bjorn that we picked up at a Children's Orchard. I used this carrier multiple times a week and really feel it gave Evan and I a sense of normalcy. We enjoyed many wonderful moments with our Baby Bjorn; it truly fueled our freedom.
Our biggest challenge with the Spica was cleanliness and keeping Evan comfortably cool. Anyone with a little one will understand that poo is often explosive and vomit can sometimes run a plenty. These things happen. Unfortunately they soil the padding and create an unsafe, uncomfortable and smelly situation. On average I was pulling out all the padding I could and replacing it 2-3 times a week. This process takes about an hour and is absolutely not fun for the little guy in the cast. Afterward though I could always tell he felt better. Luckily we had all the supplies we needed: moleskin for the edges, Microfoam for the diaper area, and eventually both to cover the inside and act as padding. The biggest asset was something we purchased online, the Cast Cooler. For about 30 bucks, I believe, we gained a world of comfort for Evan. It dried the cast in ten minutes and kept a steady flow of cooling air underneath. On the hottest days I'd hook this up and watch Evan fall asleep almost immediately. You can't put a price on that kind of comfort.
The past 15 weeks has truly been an adventure. It was challenging, but it's been rewarding. There were times when I thought I'd love to burn the cast as soon as it got cut off, but honestly as I sit here now I feel quite fondly for the thing. Like a good friend, it was there to support Evan when he needed it most; it's contribution, irreplaceable. The cast, the surgery, this experience, is one more gift in a long line of blessings Evan and our family have received. I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for this moment. I am excited for the next chapter.
