The Cast

On Sunday (a week ago), we were outside at gramma and grandpa's playing on the trampoline.  Daddy and Amelia were working on her monkey drops, where you drop to your bottom then bounce up to your feet.  There was some loss of balance when daddy came down and Amelia did a face plant in the trampoline.  We aren't exactly sure what happened, but Amelia's arm hit the trampoline.  Amelia immediately started to cry - a deep painful cry.  She got really pale, told us which arm hurt and we iced it.  After much debate, a couple hours of observation and almost trips to the ER (including one where we went inside and talked to the nurse), we decided to see if we could make it home.  Amelia was favoring her arm, but still used it.  We knew something was wrong, but we didn't think it was broke.

The next day, Amelia was still favoring it and saying it hurt so I took her in at 10:40.  I only mention the time because we didn't end up leaving until 1:30!  We didn't have our usual doctor, but the one we had was amazing!  After a few hand twists, pushes, and movements she ordered x-rays.  This was the one part Amelia struggled with, but still through it all there were no tears.  After the x-rays things got a bit crazy, the doctor talked about some bowing, fractures, but wanted a specialist to look at it.  So after a lot of time waiting, some songs, some viewing of Frozen, a couple granola bars, a Lando feeding and a bathroom break - the specialist agreed with the bowing and fractures on both bones.   The urgent care doctor came in to put on a temporary cast and another appointment was made to see the specialist to put on a permanent cast. 

Amelia in her cast. 

Honestly, I cannot believe how brave and strong this girl is.  Towards the end of the appointment, both of the younger kids were really loosing it, so I had to attend to them while they put on the cast.  Amelia did not cry or anything - she let the guy do his work and put on a brave face.  How she did it - I still don't know - the  girl was amazing.  At this point we were told Amelia could not eat in case she needed to have her arm set.

We were able to go home and Daddy met us there.  Amelia's appointment was at 4:30 and since daddy came home, I was able to go with Amelia and the younger two could stay home.  

 Amelia working on her cards and envelopes while waiting.  As seen, she was still using her arm at this point.

So the diagnosis.....after the specialist looked at the x-ray, he determined there were no fractures; however, there was bowing of the arm.  (Which is visible when you compare her two arms). All bones have a little flex in them, more so in kids.  But when there is enough force on a bone, the bone will stay bent....this happens prior to the point of breaking.   Typically the inside bone of the arm curves out just a little bit.  Amelia's?! well hers bows a bit inward.  This explains why she has a limited range of motion when twisting her arm.   With this diagnosis there were 2 options for treatment.  1.  Have the doctor bend the bone straight (oh ouch) 2. Let it straighten out naturally.   Option 1 provided no medical benefit and required general anesthesia, so it was a no brainer.  We are going to have a curved armed girl for the next 1.5-2 years.  Yes, you read that right - 1.5 to 2 years for the bone to naturally straighten by itself.    Because the bone was bowed and more prone to breaking Amelia needed to get a permanent cast for 3-4 weeks.  Once it comes off more x-rays will be taken and she will be monitored until it is straightens.

 Amelia choose hot pink for a cast color!  She is getting the cast on in this picture and finally was able to eat something at about 6:00.  Through it all, she never complained about eating and still didn't cry.

 Amelia at home

Amelia showing her cast.

Amazingly enough, this tough girl has not had interrupted sleep and has had very minimal pain relievers.  She has continued to have a happy attitude.  This girl just truly amazes me - I cannot believe how she has handled this whole situation.  Her actions have gone beyond her years and we are so proud of her.  We love you and wish this didn't happen. But we also thank God it wasn't worse, like a broken arm.