Erica's Big Day!!

We had been looking forward to cast removal day since we learned of Erica's need for this major hip surgery back in July of this year. We knew that another 6 weeks in a Spica cast was going to be hard on all of us. Fortunately, we were quite prepared for what to expect and for how to care for her in the cast--being that this was her 4th Spica cast and all. Not to mention that we had a SWEET Spica chair to accommodate her (Thanks Daddy!). Never the less, after surgery on October 8th, the countdown began for cast removal on the 20th of November. We tried to not wish the time away, but let me tell you--that is much easier said than done!

Here we are at Gillette Children's Hospital for the big unveiling:

Before (Obviously) :)

During:
Our first glimpse of Erica's legs after the top half of her cast was lifted!

After:
Relieved, happy, and on our way to x-ray!

Here we are in Radiology getting ready to have x-rays done of her pelvis & hips.
Below are her x-rays following cast removal, which is 6 weeks following her bony reconstructive surgery (aka.. pelvic and femoral Osteotomy)



It's a little hard to see the dysplasia in her left hip if you aren't used to seeing x-rays of the pelvis, but I mainly posted her x-ray for you to see the hardware (plate and screws) holding her L hip and femur in proper position (the light area in the middle of her pelvis is just shielding that they put over her ovaries to prevent radiation exposure). As I mentioned on her Caring Bridge page, her surgeon was very pleased with these follow up x-rays, and feels that her L hip is much improved, and the areas of bone grafting are healing well.

While waiting to see Dr Novacheck in an exam room, Erica remembers how to roll over from her tummy to back, and back to tummy-- so exciting!!

Next we head to Rehab for a whirlpool bath, and a Physical Therapy Evaluation.



Here is sweet E enjoying her first tubby time in 6 weeks!! You should've seen her splashing!!



Erica enjoying some Play therapy, where we were finally able to assess how much range of motion and mobility she has coming out of her cast. As you can see--she surprised us all, and is dong quite well, however quite wobbly and she really guards that left hip in sitting, rolling and standing. This is probably due to joint stiffness, some residual pain, and muscle atrophy.



She stands alone!! Our proudest moment all day!



And finally around 3:00 pm we head home from our long, eventful day at Gillette (cast removal was at 9:50 am). Erica hadn't napped all day, so here she is sleeping soundly in the back seat. In a normal car seat, I might add!!!

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!!