August 5, 2008 7:42 PM
Jonny's foot surgery
Jonny has had a problem developing with his feet for a few years, caused by too much space between the first and second metatarsals - which may be associated with his having Down syndrome, I'm not sure.
It has led to bunions on both sides, though the right foot has been worse, causing him to toe out and develop extra bone mass - and pain.
Last year his pediatric orthopedist and I decided surgery would be a good idea, but the recovery is so long that we never could find a window of opportunity when Jonny wasn't involved in a musical or volleyball or basketball or baseball.
Which is how his surgery got scheduled for August, smack dab in the middle of our move (This is the move that never ends/and it goes on and on, my friends/some people started moving and not knowing what it was/well, they'll just keep on moving now forever just because/this is the move that never ends/yes, it goes on and on my friends - remember Lamb Chop?) Since we are still in the throes, I was going to postpone - but then we start running into missing huge chunks of school - and musicals and sports.
Which is how we ended up on the road this morning at 530 AM on our way to Inova Hospital in Fairfax, watching the sun rise - just Jonny and I.
I had prepared Jonny before by showing him sites with Xrays and pictures. He was definitely a little nervous, but still couldn't resist playing up to the people and the camera while we waited for Dr. Reing, who posed for a picture too.
Here he is on the way home - we stopped to see his dad at work:
The night before, Jonny had gotten out a stack of DVDs he wanted to watch: Les Miz (dream cast) and Phantom of the Opera. The local anesthetic has worn off now and he is in some pain in between pills. Tonight will be the worst part.
[and indeed, it has been - I'm publishing this finally after four hours because we've been running around trying to deal with poor Jonny's pain and nausea]. It will be at least six weeks for total recovery, but he will be able to get around on crutches. In the meantime, please pray for Jonny's successful recovery!
Posted in Down syndrome, Family | Permalink
Comments
What a blessing that it is outpatient surgery! I hope he recovers quickly!
Tell me about the moving. We always hit a wall when we very seriously just think about burning the old place down and starting fresh. Then I realize that I may not know where all the baby pictures are yet, so we better keep going. Seriously, where does all the stuff COME from?
Posted by: Milehimama | August 6, 2008 1:28 AM
I pray that the pain and nausea abate soon! And please let Jonny know that we LOVED his photo (and the other brothers too) in WorldMag.
Blessings,
Tara B.
Posted by: Tara Barthel | August 6, 2008 7:57 AM
Hello...I'll be praying for Jonny today! My husband has had 2 knee surgeries in the last 6 months, and after the first 24 hours the side effects from the pain meds (oxycodone) were MUCH worse than the pain itself. Just a little "backyard fence" advice! Blessings and hang in there!
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 6, 2008 9:05 AM
You and Johnny are in my prayers. I hear hard candies can help with the nausea. If you need something from the store, I can run it out to you. Just call.
Posted by: suzanne | August 6, 2008 9:09 AM
praying. . .
Posted by: Kathy | August 6, 2008 9:21 AM
Will definitely be praying, Barbara! I had foot surgery when I was seventeen and I define all pain in terms of that experience. Nothing, even labor and delivery, has come close. (Thank God!)
Posted by: Kari | August 6, 2008 10:17 AM
Oh! I didn't know it got moved back again- I am so praying for Jonny, and you all too. It is hard to see one's children in pain. Keep us updated on his recovery. Flat ginger ale (made w/ real ginger) is helpful for nausea, or even ginger tea. Sending love!!!
Posted by: Greta | August 6, 2008 2:02 PM
Praying!
Posted by: Deborah | August 6, 2008 7:49 PM
I love that Jonny's great personality and spirit of adventure shine through in all these photos!
Posted by: Becky Miller | August 7, 2008 10:18 AM
