United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

and how are you guys dealing with the splint and all?
-francine

Hi Francine.

We got home at about 3:30 this afternoon. The drive home from the hospital wasn't much fun. Mitchell didn't feel well from the Tylenol with codine so he was pretty miserable most of the way home. He's feeling better now. It was nice to get back to familiar surroundings.

We spent the evening at my parent's house relaxing and visiting with them. Gregg and I gave Mitchell a sponge bath there...until my mom had to come in and take over for Gregg because he was just about to pass out. I looked at him and sweat was literally dripping off his face and his face was pale as could be!

Mitchell tolerated it pretty well. I practiced with the nurse last night and it went OK. It took me about 45 minutes start to finish...with a couple of breaks in between for Mitchell...but we did it. Tonight it went a bit faster. Closer to 25 minutes by the time I got his shirt on and splint on. Does it ever get faster?? How long before you all got good at doing this??

Also, did you let your kids wear the same shirts for a couple days in a row? The removal of the splint and shirt and then the reverse process is hard on Mitchell. I'm not going to take it off of him until Saturday morning now. I figured once he's past this first week or so...once he's not SO sore...it will get easier too. On both of us!

If you can think of anything else that you'd do differently etc., please let me know!!

Thanks,
Missy

Hi Missy
Our son Nicholas had surgery (MQ) at TCH on Oct. 28. What kind of surgery did Mitchell have? Could you email me? jjp31061@msn.com
Thanks
Shirley

Yeah I would definately not worry about changing him often unless he vomits or wets himself or something. The first few days are worse but in a week or so it will be much easier. We actually screwed a hook into the ceiling in the shower (because my son was 10 and needed more privacy to shower)He held onto a towel that hung down. He was able to get cleaned and get his own underclothes on then we would put the brace on and he could finish dressing.
Jameson just walked past, looked over my shoulder and read what I am writing and he said to tell you to use lots of diaper wipes and forget the baths! Yes it does get easier to put on the splint...The hardest part is worrying about hurting the child or worrying about undoing what the doctor did! At the end of Jameson's "Statue of Liberty" splint when he only needed to wear it at night he was practically putting it on by himself!! He thought we were too slow!!!LOL
Good luck to you...I'm not sure which surgery Mitchell just had done but I wish you the best!
T.

Tessie just about said everything I would have said too. Just take your time - let Mitchell be the driver - he'll let you know what he needs or doesn't need. I know it took us a few days with two people to get into the swing of things...and yes, I remember feeling like your husband too - especially after primary surgery...

before you know it Missy - before you know it you'll be doing it comfortably and with ease..I promise!

you take care of yourself,
francine


ps - somebody told me recently that there are wipes made out of soap product...gosh gotta think of the name..I'll look it up and post it.

Comfort Bath-you can get them at Walgreens or like Jewel Osco, they are relatively cheap too !!! When my son had mod quad they weren't available at the drug stores so they gave me some to take home....they are the greatest. We keep a pack around just in case !@!!