Posted by Joel on July 08, 2003 at 09:52:43:
In Reply to: Re: 7 Year old son with Perthes posted by Theresa on July 07, 2003 at 14:22:04:
As I recall, I was never in a wheelchair. The cast was set such that my legs were spread pretty far apart. Theoretically, I was supposed to have learned to walk using the crutches, but instead I used a trolley, such as mechanics use to work under cars. As far as being carried, that depends on your child and YOU. I know that I was fairly small and that my dad was able to carry me for short distances. Basically, though, it's whatever you're more comfortable with.
: : My son was diagnosed june 2001 and he was then nearly 8 years. In june 2002 he had the varus femural osteotomy surgery and prior to this he had to stay in traction for 10 days (not 6 weeks.....)in hospital. WoW, 6 weeks sounds like a nightmare.....The first days my son complained a lot, especially when he was to sleep in the evening. The Childrens Centre at hospital had 200 videos, Play Station, Nintendo and he had his Game Boy so the days passed in some way. We just had to let him play as much as he wanted to make time pass (and hospital gave him icecream when he wanted.....)I can imagine how difficult it must be for you to come trough this weeeks. I wish you all the best!
: : Gro (Norway)
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: : : My son was diagnosed with Perthes on April 2nd 2003. He was put into traction two weeks ago and has four more weeks of it til his surgery. Has anyone out there ever been in traction for 6 weeks before? He has to be in it for 23 hours a day and you can just imagine the frustration!
: : : I've been reading the message board and hadn't seen much about traction; and was just wondering if anyone could offer any insight to this.
: : : Thanks.
: I appreciate the support. I've got just about every board game ever made at his bed side.
: I've got a question for you regarding the cast...I've got a deck with about 5 steps; I'm assuming that my son will be in a wheel chair when he gets his cast. So a ramp is probably the way to go or was your child able to be carried around?