well, you know, things were getting a little quiet around here anyway

*sigh*

I told the nurse that I wish there was a manual or some guidelines so that we, as parents, could know when it's a sprain and when it's a break. I always feel like it's a coin flip.

At about 3:00 today, Wendy - in a fast paced game of cops (her little brothers) and robbers (her), escaped capture by taking a flying leap off the icy deck railing onto the hard ground.  She did all this while her mother was gesturing madly from inside and trying to get the iced shut window open (for hollering stop purposes) to no avail.

After laying on the ground in pain for a bit, she did stand up and walk into the house - but also said her foot hurt.  I told her to just rest it for awhile and we'll see how it goes.  Then the husband and I went out and showed our camper to an interested cousin, because her foot really didn't seem so bad. 

When we got home - we were no closer to figuring out if it was a sprain or a break or what.  It was swollen, and it was painful - but on a scale of 1 - 10 she was only giving it a 6. 

I was in a 'better safe than sorry' mood so I brought her in.  If you're ever wondering - the urgent care is busy the day after Christmas because they are closed on Christmas day and therefore have backlog - plus it's icy out so they've been doing lots of x-rays.  Just in case you were wondering.  It was a long wait for that particular office.

Anyway.

The diagnosis is that she fractured the growth plate on the outside of her foot. The x-ray actually shows that her growth plate separated too far from her foot - and you can see that it matches up with the swell/bump on her foot. She's in a temporary cast right now - can't walk or put any weight on it for one to two weeks, and we have to get her in to see an orthopedic surgeon.

Wendy's our one to get giggly and chatty when she's nervous, so there was a lot of giggling while we waited. It was when we got home that the tears began to fall.

Tomorrow will be about finding her some projects, possibly running to Michaels to get her some crafts, cleaning her room to make it crutches safe (we just happened to have some crutches her size laying around - lucky us) and turning it into a positive.  For instance, on the bright side - she doesn't have to worry about trying to go to the bathroom at school this week.

Tonight - is about getting some rest. 

Comments

[Kristine]

Oh, poor Wendy. (And Mom too!) Not fun, I am just getting over a fall I couldn't walk for 8 days. It is still sore! Keep her busy, I spent lots of time reading and the hubby got to help out at home and see how much we do during the day!

[Kelley Popp]

Healing vibes to Miss Wendy... I know that you'll find lots to do to keep her spirits up. This will be a Christmas she'll never forget-so even though it's a painful time for her it'll be one she can reflect on when she's older. She's lucky to have you for a Mom because you'll be sure to make those memories merry!

[Karin]

My now 11 yo did the same thing (including jumping off a porch instead of a deck) and fractured his growth plate in his ankle when he was 8. He was walking around the ER so we were shocked when they put him in a cast. I know they are pricey but the air cast he got a few days later was AWESOME.

[Becca]

Awww, rats! You have more than your fair share of drama over there!

[Julie M.]

Oh no! Poor girl. She's one tough cookie.

I have to admit I laughed at your first sentence. The manual for sprain vs. break thing- it sounds like you've done this a time or two!

Busy Christmas weekend for your fam. Hope it gets boring really quick. :)

[Karen Greenfield]

Does Wendy like to read??? Nancy Drew was always my fave when I was 'hors de combat.' Still is.....and I'm 60 now. Karen

[Steph Vetne]

Oh man, I am so sorry! That sounds exactly like Em's wrist break last year. Big ((((((hugs))))) to Wendy! Does she want an email buddy? She and Libby are almost exactly the same age. ;)

[Laurie - Old School Acres]

Oh man. I hope Wendy's injury follows the course of my oldest's ankle growth plate fracture in February. Splint/temp cast for 2 weeks, walking boot for 3 (maybe 4?), and fully healed by 6 weeks. A 6-month check when the orthopaedist gave her an ASO for basketball and she's good to go.

[Auntie Barb]

Hugs to all of you!

[cuz karen]

oh goodness, well with the "tricks on crutches" training from Allen, and the crafts, and Christmas break.. all will be well. She is a trooper for sure.. and you mom, were good to be on the safe side.. I want to see pictures of the pretty cast she will get.. I bet it's pink !!!
I'll be praying for quick and total healing..
hugs to you both..

[tania]

aww shucks! HUGS wendy! the email buddy is a FABULOUS idea steph! my daughter loves doing stuff like that too---she's an expert at sending e-cards. so Torm, email me if wendy has her own email address. my girls would love to send her a pick me up. anything else i can do from here to help? i think this would be a perfect occassion for a disposable camera---"viewpoint from the couch" type photos. (always thinking about scrapbooking...heheeee)

[sue Treiber]

Poor Wendy! At least everyone is home to entertain and wait on her!

[Brita]

((hugs))

[Deb Wisker]

ACK! Poor girl! One good thing though is you're a pro at orthopaedics and casts!! Wish her well for me and keep us posted!

[Mary Rogers]

oh Sharyn - I hope she can avoid surgery, however, since it involves the growth plate I bet that won't be an option.

sweet girl - how will she contain all that energy?

[Sharyn]

She's using the energy to turn herself into queen bee. This could get old quick.

I don't know if surgery is in the future or not. We'll just take it one day at time and go thru the motions. Our paper says that this fracture should heal well, but requires protection for proper healing. The orthopedic surgeon should be able to give us a more detailed diagnosis.

[Lori A]

Oh no! So sorry to hear about Wendy.

A crafty idea could be letting her decorate the crutches. Hannah used stickers on hers-her Doctor and Nurses thought it was a cute idea. It made using the crutches a tiny bit more fun. We also made a scrapbook for her with photos of her friends and family signing her cast.

[slammie]

Hope that Wendy heals quickly!

[Heidi]

All the best for Wendy. Get well soon!!!

[Tina A.]

oh, boy. hang in there Mom and Wendy!

[Katrina]

Oh no. Ouch! Hope the healing is quick..