We returned to the outpatient NS department last Wednesday. We were scheduled with the Nurse Practitioner who was very impressed with how the incision was healing. I, personally, have been very happy with it, however the portion at the very bottom was becoming a bit more red and irritated than I wanted to see. But she confirmed that it was more of a local reaction to the sutures, and as it turns out, after the sutures were removed, the redness has almost disappeared. Quite honestly, when she goes to show someone her incision, it is very hard to see. Her hair has grown in so quickly, that it hides all but about ¾ of an inch. I will post progressive pictures in the coming week to help future parents and patients see how G’s incision looked during recovery.
The nurse practitioner released most of G’s restrictions. At this point, there is no gymnastics, trampolines, PE, rambunctious recess, excessive running/jumping or horseplay. She is able to leave the house now as tolerated and she is to increase her activity slowly over the next 3-4 weeks. I think the hardest part of this will be the ‘slowly’ portion. She feels so good that she doesn’t remember this word during recovery. If you had told me 2 months ago that we would be sending G back to school with the remote possibility of a full first day, I would have looked at you as if you had two heads. Now, as the first day of school looms, that is exactly what we are doing.
I met with the school before surgery and again as last week. We discussed G’s initial needs, and they are most willing to provide needed services. A few things we discussed follows. I will be dropping her off and picking her up from school initially. I do not want her carrying a heavy backpack each day, so I will walk her in the first few days. We will work out a system so she won’t have heavy items each day. She will not be attending Gym class. Rather, she will be given rest time in the nurse’s office. Same goes with recess. She will have her choice to rest, sit on a bench with friends, or stay inside the classroom for quiet play. Before our meeting I made up a table of If/Then statements. It labeled what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if they happen. Symptoms ranged from mild headaches to tingling to confusion to seizures. Another concern is loud noises. Fire alarms and loud lunch rooms may be concerning, so we will play these things by ear. (Pun not intended 😊)
G has enjoyed a few trips out of the house since our trip to the NS last week. We haven’t over done it, although I notice that she does wear down much easier and faster than in the past. I’m sure it will take some time to build her stamina back up. This is a little concerning with school around the corner. But I must say, the school has also been very understanding in knowing that there is a possibility of a need of partial days.
Look for an update on how the first few days of school went, as well as photo log of her incision. Don’t worry, I will put a disclaimer on the latter post in case you are squeamish about that kind of stuff. 😉
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