The good, the bad, the ugly and the nasty.


The good: Gianna is off narcotics and is down to just motrin even 6 hours for pain for 12 days post-op, that is miraculous! She is walking better every day, and seems to be communicating her pain to us better.  Her incisions look wonderful with no signs of infection. She is also getting back to her sassy self.  You know she is feeling good when she decides to annoy her sister.

The Bad: Her restrictions for this first month are limited to walking and playing games or coloring at the table. Did I mention walking? Ah, yes... she can walk, and sit. And walk. Or sit. Or walk and then sit. 

 As she feels better, this is probably going to be hard to adhere to. Right now, she spends a lot of time reclining in the wagon as I wheel her wherever I am. 

 And another really fun one-For the first 2 months, she cannot lean forward while sitting or bend forward in any way.  At all.

The bottom of the rod is attached by a hook, and they want scar tissue to form to seal it in place. This means she cannot reach for her fork at dinner, reach for her crayon box, or lean forward when getting up on the potty. The brace will slow her down, but we still have to be vigilant not to let her do it. 

She's THREE. How am I gonna keep her from leaning forward for TWO MONTHS?!?! I need a plan..... I'm thinking LOTS and LOTS of bubble wrap. 

The Ugly: Her restrictions are as follows- From 1-6 months, she can stand in a pool with her brace on,( that sounds like fun- stand in 95% humidity with a heavy sweater- like shirt AND a brace just to get your feet wet. NOT!) she can throw a ball under hand, walk, and sit on the floor. 

More walking. More sitting. For six months- Yay!
 
Not until the 6 month mark can she run, skip, jump or swim. So much for our summer-  so can we fast forward to October please? Pretty please? With sugar on top?

The Nasty: The Absolute NOT EVER list- Torquing her body from side to side, bending over, touching her toes, hanging by her arms, being lifted under her arms, any contact sports, excessive jumping or bouncing. 

Basically, if it *might* be fun, I'm sure it's a no. 

We were SO hoping she could re-enroll in her beloved ballet class, but with no bending, torquing, or touching toes, she would spend most of her time just watching the others bend and torque. 

The Beautiful: She is BEYOND our dreams come true. And she WAS a ballerina.... if only just once.... Sigh.



Comments

  1. The CampbellsMarch 31, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    My sweet ballerina! We miss you so. I hate that you have to go through this. If you need anything please let me know ... Even if you just want to borrow some costumes or music for visualizing or dreaming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DAVIDE~TALISHA~ETHAN PALMERMarch 31, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    Oh, Cristy! That sounds so difficult to adhere to! I mean, it is a gift from the Lord that she is even walking, but my heart goes out to you with all of this on your plate. You seem to be so strong and wise though, so I know you'll get through it all!! (Thanks to the Lord of course). I can't help but smile when you talk of rolling her along in the wagon (or whatever it is)wherever you go. Such a sweet loving mommy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MichaelApril 1, 2009 at 12:27 AM

    She was once a tiny little dancer and she will always be so in your hearts and minds. She is recovering and continues to feel the healing power of our prayers.

    M

    ReplyDelete
  4. VashtiApril 1, 2009 at 6:11 AM

    Sweet baby girl. I am sure she will dance again. Praying very much...stay strong.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. La Dolce VitaApril 1, 2009 at 7:36 AM

    Oh man. This sounds so difficult. Just take it day by day. If you got through today, God will give you the same strength to get through tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. laurieApril 1, 2009 at 11:03 PM

    Glad to see that she is coming along. I'm not really sure what was wrong with Gianna's back but the Nasty list...is that never like the rest of her life or the next 6 months? I'm praying for a miracle for her and trust God will continue to meet you where you are each and every day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. CristyApril 1, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    The nasty list is for the next 10-15 years.... Basically her whole childhood.

    Thank you so much for praying for our sweet girl!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Andy and AmyApril 2, 2009 at 9:35 AM

    In all the limitations, there are a lot of blessings...things she CAN do that would have been impossible without her life-saving surgery: smile, laugh, learn, grown and know the love of a family. We will keep praying for all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Grandma & GrandpaApril 2, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    The Lord knew what He was doing when He selected a family consisting of wonderful, godly parents, a loving sister, and handsome, protective brothers and placed Gianna in the midst of them all. He knew she would be expertly cared for by the doctors and hospital to which He led you. He knew the results, and He knew He could equip the family He had selected to properly care for her, love her and nurture her and tell her about The One who created her. She is precious, beautiful, lovely, a bundle of joy and we love her just as she is, knowing she is a ballerina in her own heart and she will always make our hearts dance with pride and joy. We know that if anyone can make the next months fun it will be her loving and creative family.
    We love you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. KarinApril 4, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    Oh wow...that is truly a difficult assignment. Thanks for leaving the comment on my blog about my daugher's upcoming surgery. I will pray for you, too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. HennHouseApril 8, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    WOW!

    We'll be praying for sure.

    ReplyDelete

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