One week post surgery

Well, actually, it is a week and two days post surgery.  :)  Kinnley is doing well, but it has been a struggle.  She has a continual low grade temperature, and still needs her Codeine pain meds.  We've tried alternating with Motrin.  While Motrin helps with fever, it doesn't control the pain.  I've called Shriner's several times.  They continue to reassure me that this is normal, and remind me that this was a pretty major foot surgery.  I just have to watch for her temp to go over 101, discharge from her foot, or swelling that cuts off circulation.  So far, she has none of these.  I kept her home all week.  I'm just afraid a full day of school would push the fever too high, or someone would bump her foot.  My gut tells me not to push it. It just doesn't seem worth it. Watch for an update on progress at school next week.

We were blessed with our church providing meals.  It was so nice to not have to cook, and delicious to boot!  There is something so special about having church family.  The food is great, the phone calls appreciated, and the prayers are cherished!  And the school has been so supportive.  When Kinnley left before surgery, they had two bags with fun stuff to do (posters to color, doodle books, colors, etc.).  I was able to text one of the teachers from Shriner's, and she would provide updates to the girls for me.
 

Kinnley continues to hold court from the couch.  She found her balance and began using her little walker.  Today, she ever took herself to the bathroom and back all by herself.  This is huge progress from even a few days ago.  It means she can be independent at school.  You go girl!  She misses the sunshine.  Today, Daddy put her in the wagon and toted her up and down our long driveway and Kinnley exclaimed "Again! Again!".

In the end, we have one week behind us.  That means we only have 11 more to go before both her feet are back out of casts (if I am counting right!).  Her next surgery (right foot this time) is March 13th.

Kinnley's cast is getting a "funky" smell to it.  Not an infection smell, but it does have a lot of dried blood in there.  I tried baking soda, Febreeze, and rubbing with scented diaper wipes.  This helps for a while, but the smell returns. So I used the power of the internet and found a device that claims to help.  It kinda looks like a blood pressure cuff that you wrap around the main part of the cast.  You then hook it to your vacuum and it gently "pulls" fresh air through the cast from the open ends.  I guess it is like opening your front and back doors of your house to "change the air".  Reviews were good, but most of those mentioned relief from itchiness, irritation, and damp casts instead of smells.  I'll provide a product review and let you know if it works!

As for me, I am sleep deprived.  I'm one of those people that need a solid 7 hours.  It's been like having a newborn again.  I set the alarm several times a night to check on Kinnley.  I check her temp, get meds if needed, and take her to the bathroom.  By the time I lay back down in bed, my brain is turned on and I start trying to solve world hunger to no avail.  Rinse and repeat. Sigh.  I saw an article this week about a 70 year old woman in Europe who had a baby using fertility drugs.  I thought I was pressing the bar when I had Lainie at 40!  All I can say is "that poor dear crazy woman".  :)  More power to her!