Injured Lydia

At the very end of our skating party on Thursday, Sarah wandered off into a restricted area (barred off by a rope) and Lydia went after her.  When Lydia shooed Sarah out, and tried to come out herself, one skate was caught on the rope and Lydia fell awkwardly on her right arm.  She said it felt "numb" when she got up and it took her awhile to get up.  Uh oh.

But honestly, I was pretty mellow about it.  Our kids have fallen many times and usually are fine after a few hours.  We came home and Lydia put ice on her arm and took it easily for the rest of the day.  I knew we might need to visit the doctor, but she was doing Ok so long as she didn't move it much, so there didn't seem much urgency.

  Yesterday morning, I checked Lydia at 8 a.m. and she said her arm didn't feel any better.  Uh oh.  It was hurting a lot when she moved it in certain ways.  Ok, off to the doctor we went.  The doc ordered x-rays.  Good news is that the elbow is definitely Ok.  Bad news was that there is a ton of swelling near her wrist and lower arm, to the point that there might even be a fracture in there without the x-rays revealing it.

  So for now, we are essentially continuing the same treatment.  Ibuprofin to reduce swelling.  Arm splint now, to keep the area immobilized.  Sling.  Ice.  On Tuesday, Lydia has an appointment with an orthopedic doctor at our local children's hospital.   By then, the swelling should be way down and she'll probably get more x-rays to make sure there isn't a break.

 For now, I'm thinking bad sprain, most likely.  Bad sprains CAN be bad.  I had a sprained ankle once that required a cast for 2 weeks. 

  It is, OF COURSE, her right arm.  I'm trying to figure out how to do school next week with her arm not really available.  It isn't urgent and we've only got 'til Tuesday before we'll have further information.  She may just do a lot of reading.  She can type with her left hand, but that's painfully slow.

  The other exciting truth is that with Lydia out of commission, many chores need done by Kevin, me, or Naomi.  It makes me appreciate all that our big girls do as they both do a LOT.  I keep finding things that Lydia usually does...oh right, someone has to do those things!

  I printed out a new chore chart with "Injured Lydia Edition" emblazoned in red at the top.

  Prayers are appreciated that she heals quickly and fast, and that we are wise in managing this injury.  I am thankful that our kids have "good bones" and have not had many injuries.