Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Colles Fracture



Well it started off as a great day. I dropped H off at preschool/joyschool and Sadie, E, and I were off to meet my sister for a little shopping. After a couple hours Sadie couldn't hold herself together anymore so I cut the trip short and decided to just wait in front of H's preschool until he got out (about 15 min early). A few minutes after I arrived my friend was carrying H and waving me to him. She said he fell off the tramp and his arm did not look good. I took one look and knew it was broken. There was a bow in the middle of his forearm. We wrapped it to his chest, dropped E and S off at Amy's (thank you so much Amy) and we were off the the ER. Hudson was not crying this whole time, he was in shock and very pale.

They gave him some morphine soon after we got there and after about a half hour he was feeling good. He had an IV in his right hand that was resting on a small pillow and as soon as the meds kicked in he said "this pillow feels really good."

We then got X-Rays and here are the results...


You can see that both bones are broken. We then waited four hours for pediatric orthopedics to come. During that time a volunteer asked H if he would like to play some video games. Which of course he said yes. So he and I played Shrek for the next four hours. It was mind numbing. At that point I was really wishing I would have stuck a book in my bag. I was grateful however that H was distracted during that time.

The orthopedic doc came and said they would set his arm. They gave H some meds that would make him forget the event and control the pain, plus he already had the morphine. This type of anesthesia doesn't put them completely under, he would still have his eyes open during the procedure. He put a chair to the side for me and said I could step out when the meds took effect if I wanted to. Typically I would love to see a procedure like this, but there is something about seeing your own child go through it. I could feel my heart starting to pound and my hands getting cold, so I stepped out.

It only took about 5 min and they called me back in. For the next 2-3 hours we stayed in recovery and this was probably the worst part b/c H was starving and all they would give him was popsicles (to make sure he could keep fluids down). Typically he would love getting endless popsicles, but not today. He kept telling me over and over he wanted dinner and I just kept telling him we would have to wait a while.

We finally were checked out and they sent him home with PBJ sandwhich, fish crackers, Gatorade, teddy grahams, and juice and he was very happy. He tried to convince me to let him eat there, but I told him other people needed the room. I couldn't believe he wanted to stay.

He slept great last night and has barely complained at all. The next few days we will just be bumming around the house. Dr's orders.


His first request this morning was that I get ALL of his snacks and toys from the "hostible" and put them right next to him. When I didn't pull all of them out he said "where are the fish crackers? oh, and that other sticker, all of it mom."
Saturday we go in and get his "real" cast. And by the way this is H's THIRD broken arm. This is the worst of the three and hopefully the last. And no I don't abuse him and as far as we know he does not have brittle bones. Yes, he drinks milk.
Thank goodness for good doctors, medication, friends, and family. Looks like everything is going to be just fine.

9 comments:

Adam said...

Oh man...what a tough kid. I'm glad that he is on the up-and-up. Smith sends his love and is worried about him. Hey..my brother Tanner and fam are going to be at ASU business school in the fall. I'd love for you to meet them. Good luck.
love,
whit

katie and co. said...

We are so relieved that Hudson is on the mend! Poor little guy! I am so sorry this is the 3rd go around for you. That can't be fun. And poor Tennille. I know she feels so bad about the whole thing. Love your blog and hope to check in often.

Anonymous said...

Dear Hudson,

You look cate as always even though your arm is broken!! I hope it gets better quickly!! We love you!!

Gramma and Granpa

Melissa said...

Nats,
I have to say, when I saw your email, I was so worried that it was going to be something REALLY bad, that I was actually relieved to see the broken arm! Don't take that the wrong way... I can't believe this is the 3rd one! Wowsers... He sure looks pretty dang cute with that cast on, though... Hope he feels better soon! Love ya!

Heather and Ryan said...

So sorry you guys! What a day. Poor guy! Hope Hudson continues to mend. I am going to show Ry the blog - he'll love the x-rays! :) Keep in touch. H

Nichole and Jeremy said...

Poor Hudson. He has already been to the Hospital more then me and he is only 3.

Hope all goes well. We miss you and hope to see you soon.

Love Nichole

Teri said...

Hey Natalee. I am so sorry for Hudson. I had no idea that this brake thing has happened before. No wonder you are a worrier. Let me know if Wed. won't work for you. Good luck with a kid having to hold still for the next couple of days.

Miracle Gro said...

BARNYARD MADNESS!!! Too bad he didn't break it during an ultimate game.

Emily said...

Poor little guy. Not even any tears- what a toughie! I'm glad he's on the mend. Hope he gets better soon!