Logan did so good at the "Easter Eggstravaganza" at our church on Saturday afternoon. He didn't even cry when we sat him in the Easter Bunny's lap and he eventually figured out he was supposed to collect eggs and put them in his basket. After that got old (and his basket was full) he played on some of the playground equipment. St. Mark's has a really nice, shaded playground and we had never actually been out there. He went down one of the slides, though, and stuck his left foot out to the side and his leg turned sideways as his shoe/leg hit the slide. Michael and my sister, Holly, heard a popping sound and were really worried, but since I didn't hear it or see exactly what happened I was hoping he was ok. We took him straight home and tried to get him to put weight on his leg. He fussed a little and sat down. He wouldn't walk or even put weight on his left leg, so we decided to take him to the Texas Children's Hospital ER.
Logan was so patient. He had vending machine snacks and a fruit cup for supper (but we did find some whole milk, which he was excited about) and he didn't fall asleep until 10:30pm because he was in a strange place without his noise maker and he really didn't fuss at all. His favorite part was making laps in a wheelchair while we waiting for x-rays. We read every book we brought about 15 times, but at least that kept him happy. He is my angel baby, I have to admit. He just watched the nurses and doctors as they examined him and cooperated completely, even for x-rays.
Here he is trying to share a Cheerio and then eating it. He thought we were on a field trip until we got home and he realized he couldn't bend his left leg. Sorry the pictures are so small; the only cameras we had were the ones on our cell phones.
After 7 1/2 hours and seeing at least 4 nurses, 2 doctors, and having 3 sets of x-rays done, he was diagnosed with a tibia fracture, which at his age is referred to as a "toddler fracture." It only occurs in children under 3 and is the most common leg break in children in that age group. It's a spiral fracture and happens when the leg twists in just the wrong way. I read that, "an unsteady toddler may have fallen with a twist, or the child may have gotten his/her foot caught and fallen, twisting it while trying to free his/her foot," which is in line with what the doctors told us. It's hard to pick up with x-rays sometimes, which is why he needed three different trips to radiology, with multiple angles before they found it and knew how to treat it.
He was fitted with a splint and we were told to follow up with the Texas Children's orthopedic group within a week. I called this morning to make an appointment and the earliest they could see him was April 24th. Meanwhile, Michael calls me from home with Logan and says the splint is coming off. That didn't get us in any faster. And even the doctor Logan's pediatrician recommended doesn't specialize in pediatrics, which is important, I think, at his age. After calling multiple other doctors several times, I finally found a pediatric orthopedic doctor who can see Lo tomorrow during his "work-in" period and I really liked the nurse. She told us how to re-wrap the bandage ourselves.
I don't know that Logan would have been an angel while getting his leg wrapped, but luckily he fell asleep right before the doctor came in to put the splint on. He was so exhausted that he slept through the whole thing. We covered us eyes up so the lights wouldn't bother him, but you can see that paci sticking out!
Logan took a great nap yesterday in his crib, but last night was pretty rough, again. He slept with us so we could keep an eye on him. Now I'm about ready to sleep on the floor next to his crib, rather than have him crying and kicking us half the night. He just can't seem to find a comfortable position and wants to twirl my hair, which puts him to sleep, but not me! We felt like we had a newborn again. He'll eventually get used to that thing on his leg, but right now he's still mad about it and throws a fit when he gets frustrated. I don't know who he gets that from...
Logan will probably get a cast and have to wear it for 4-6 weeks, but I'll let you know exactly what the doctor says after tomorrow's visit. I'm sure Lo will find a way to get around in it soon enough and be used to it before we know it. We are just very thankful that his injury is something that can be easily treated and should heal completely with no issues. Not that a leg cast on a 16-month old for 6 weeks will be "easy," but it could be a lot worse. And for that, and for all of you who have prayed for us and sent your concerns our way, we are counting our blessings. Thank you so much.
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