Update on Michaela

[browning93]

Well, Michaela was so anxious to do things with her shoulder during ROMS every night while the splint was off so it totally surprised us that when the splint was finally off she was afraid to try anything. She also was having alot of elbow pain.She had no real elbow problems before the surgery. Her OT thought maybe we should try to put a little bit of a bend in her splint arm for this next 5 weeks of night only wear. She thinks it's stretching her bicep too much because of the position.It seems to have loosened up a good bit the last 2 days and Michaela's not "nursing" it so much.

Michaela has been leaving it off all day and doesn't want it back on at night but I'm afraid to go that far yet! I kept her home from school Friday and Monday and today, giving her some more relaxed time which seemed to work. She's not afriad or protecting her arm so much now. She wants it out of the splint but at first would not do anything with it. Getting back to normal slowly. She has alot of new shoulder function and can do it with support only. She doesn't have enough muscle strength to do it without support. She says her arm feels so heavy. We started doing TES again last Thursday and Michaela was actually happy about it. She said it felt good. She's been complaining of her thumb and lower arm "itching, deep inside" and I thought about how Kathleen explained the feeling in another post. I think it's the same feeling that makes her want to pull the nails out by the roots, it just seems to bother her more now.She says it feels better with the tickle machine on.

The doctor today wasn't very happy with how wide her insision is. There's splotchiness all up and down and again she says there is nothing we can do, it's a reaction to the surtures that were used. I keep doing scar massage with antibiotic cream.

Starting the rehab circuit is already taking it's toll. I'm bushed. Feeling a little depressed, too. My Mom and Dad who have been my only support during any of this since Michaela's birth are moving back to Kentucky this weekend. Michaela's other grandparents see her about 2 times a year and the rest of my family lives in their own worlds. My Dad is near 70 and can't keep working full time to keep health insurance on my MOM for the next 3 years till she's 65 and she can't get SSI benefits in Florida but can in Kentucky. She's totally deaf,diabetic, has the education and comprehension of a 2nd or 3rd grader and has never had a job in her life. If something happens to my Dad then I'll be responsible for her since my other 2 sisters and brother won't do it. My parents have helped quite a bit and Mamaw made a great playmate!LOL I guess now if it weren't for these boards I'd feel totally alone! Thanks, LeeAnne

[Bridget]

LeeAnne,

It sounds like Michaela is seeing some improvement already, which is really great news! She probably will be a bit uncomfortable without the splint for a short while, but that will soon pass I'm sure. It is a big milestone, getting rid of the splint, big sigh of relief for everyone, I'm sure.

What have other people done with the splints after they are done with them? I've saved both of Ian's (and the one they made for his stuffed cat Fuzzy) and keep them in storage out in the garage. Should I just throw them out? For some reason I can't seem to do it! His first splint (from age three) looks so tiny! Maybe we can start a BPI Museum of artifacts! Ha ha.

So sorry to hear of the situation of your parents, that is a big loss for you emotionally and realistically. At least your mom will receive the care she needs in Kentucky...and you know that we are all on here for emotional support...wish there was more we could do on a day to day basis for each other.

Take care,
Bridget

[browning93]

Bridget, I saved all the splints I made and decorated since Michaela was a baby.Then I started seeing there were some other bpi babies in the rehab clinic and doctors offices. So I've kept one of each kind and donate the rest for others who can't afford to buy splints or offer to make for others hard to fit like Michaela has always been. It was hard for me to part with them at first, but after seeing another child getting use from what she had outgrown, it made it alot easier. The ones I have kept I'll show her when she's older. My parents saved all kinds of my stuff and gave it to me in a trunk at my bridal shower, think I'll do the same for Michaela. LeeAnne