Was the experience of being in the cast and/or splint miserable for them or did they just adapt (it is wonderful how well kids can do that)?
When Ella woke up in recovery and noticed her cast she cried that her arm was stuck. She fell back to sleep a couple of minutes later. She was fine from there on. Once she got home (the next day) she was doing so well with the cast on. She did everything that she was doing without the cast. So she adapted extremely well which amazed me.
Was the pain bad?
After the surgery she was in some pain and they had her on Morphine. I know of some children who never need the morphine at all. The pain seemed to get better and wear off as the surgery day came to an end. The following day she was nothing but sore.
The cast removal for us was the worst pain experience. She was in a lot of pain this day and it lasted for at least two full days later. After that, it was fine. We just kept giving her tylenol and warm baths to soothe her.
Were they helpful in the rehab/physical therapy stages?
Ella was in PT 3X weekly after this surgery. She did okay. She tried her best. It is hard to get a 2 1/2 year old to do certain exercises for a whole hour straight. Overall, I think she cooperated well.
Do they seem happier and/or excited with the improvements to their motion/abilities?
When Ella was able to life her arm over her head she said, "look mommy!" with a huge smile on her face. Since that first time of her being able to do it she would show everyone for several months. She was very proud of herself. So yes, she was very excited and she was only 2 1/2!
Hope those answers help a bit.
~Krista~