Saturday, January 29, 2011

Two Down: Sam's Turn in the ER


Just about a year ago we made our first visit to the ER with one of the boys, when Isaac split his chin open.
Today, it was Sam's turn.

I'll let him tell you what happened:



Yes, the boys were standing on the little child-sized chairs flipping the lights on and off, despite being told numerous times that we don't stand on chairs and we don't play with the lights.

From the very beginning, Sam has stuck to his story that Alex pushed him. I suspect it wasn't a push so much as three boys jockeying for space on one chair.

There was a thud and some wailing about being pushed, but no real tears. It didn't sound serious, so I walked into the room after a couple minutes, picked Sam up, kissed the foot he said hurt and figured that would be the end of it.

I wound up holding him and carrying him the rest of the evening. He refused to walk on his foot, and begged to be carried. I thought maybe a sprain, but never a break! These boys have taken bigger spills than that, and little ones tend to bounce.

So I gave Sam some ibuprofen, wrapped the ankle and figured he'd be right as rain by morning. He slept all night, but refused to put any weight on it this morning.

Off to urgent care he went with Daddy. After the x-ray showed a break on the long bone, they headed to the emergency room. I met them there after Sarah, Dustin and Taylor showed up to watch the rest of the kiddos.

I got there in plenty of time to hang out for a couple hours, help with the second set of x-rays and then get Sam's leg splinted. It's too swollen for a cast right now, so we'll see a pediatric orthopedic specialist early next week.

The final diagnosis was a rotational break. That means he twisted as he landed on it when he came off the chair.

Now all I have to do is keep him off his leg as much as possible for the next six weeks while chasing two other two-year-olds. Piece of cake, right?

I'm getting out the hiking backpack and scheduling weekly visits to my chiropractor. And I've already informed Sam, who weighs 30 pounds now, that he is not allowed to gain any weight in the next six weeks!

It's just a simple break and broken bones heal. It certainly could have been worse.

It could have been MY leg!

Then what the heck would we do around here?

© Trippin' Mama 2011

5 comments:

jfran said...

"I got a broken leg. I can't wun on it"

makes me sad:(

Pam said...

Aww, poor Sam and poor you. Be careful with your back. Let me know if you need anything.

Megan said...

So this story has me a tad worried since my kids spend A LOT of time standing on their child sized chairs. I gave up the battle of trying to get them not to stand on them, but now I'm rethinking that decision! Sounds like Sam is taking it all in stride, though. Will be thinking about you and your back over the next 6 weeks!

robbie said...

Glad to see Sam's in pretty good spirits. I promise one day the stars will align and the kids will have their play date!!

Aunt Mary said...

You are right!! It could have been you! Don't I know about that! Maybe Sam could get one of those wheelies like I had! That would be fun for all! Heal fast SAM, we are praying for a speedy recovery.