The Follow-Up Appointment

Today was Grace's follow-up appointment. There was good news and bad news. The good news is that Grace's hip looks great. It is right where it should be and the bones have started to mend. Her reachable stiches were removed. The bad news is we will be back in the OR March 9 to get spica cast number 2. No, no, not for the second hip. We are still on hip number 1. Grace's doctor is so pleased with the direction her legs are being held, he wants to do it longer. The second cast is mainly due to the stench factor that will be upon us by that time. The second spica will be a bit smaller and allow some movement with her legs. She will be in that cast for another 4 weeks. Yep, that adds up to 9 weeks. The surgery for her second hip (left) will be in 1-2 years. It will involve cutting the femur and putting in a plate and screw. I'm getting ahead of myself, though. One at a time.

Last night, for the first time in 9 nights, Grace slept for an extended period. Up until last night she slept for only 1 1/2 hours at her longest stretch. She is usually up whinning every 15-20 minutes. Most nights we are up 13-15 times. We are hoping this new sleep thing will continue. Everyone is pretty groggy around here.