Am I crazy?

[luvmy3]

Well, it's only because I'm trying to think of fun things he'd enjoy while in casts... Otherwise, we'll probably go to CA for spring break next year - months after the surgery.

I could probably find a lot of local things to do - not as hard.

I just can't get this feeling out of me to take him to Disneyland to keep his mind off the fact that he can't do much on his own!

I would think the opposite, that it wouldn't be any fun at all. Maybe if he would only be dealing with recovery for 1 foot, but with 2 in a cast I just dont see how anyone could really enjoy the trip. If it were my child, I'd wait till after and then it would be something they could look foward to when the casts come off.

 

[roscoepc1]

Alright - here's the names:

sliding heel osteotomy and a lateral column lengthening with medial imbrication

Sound familiar? I don't think it will - doesn't sound like the same issue. My son has inverted ankles and flat feet because the heel isn't where it's supposed to be.

We'll be at a children's hospital, so hopefully they'll manage his pain pretty well. I have a feeling the doctor is going to say wait on the trip!

It's not what James had, but I do know what that is, lol. It WILL be painful, but not as much as James' was....his was done b/c it was damaging his ankles (and causing pain) bc/ he couldn't stand on his feet properly....so, same ballpark, but not the same pitch, kwim? ANY foot surgery is among the "most painful" category...so many bones, so many muscles, tendons, etc...

Definitely say yes to epis if they are offered (it also means he'll have a catheter, but he won't feel that either, so kwim?), and I still advise planning a recovery celebration trip rather than during....

Make a countdown calendar, let him surf the web with you to pic activities/meals etc as his time-passing activity!

Best wishes!

 

[mccathy]

It's not what James had, but I do know what that is, lol. It WILL be painful, but not as much as James' was....his was done b/c it was damaging his ankles (and causing pain) bc/ he couldn't stand on his feet properly....so, same ballpark, but not the same pitch, kwim? ANY foot surgery is among the "most painful" category...so many bones, so many muscles, tendons, etc...

Definitely say yes to epis if they are offered (it also means he'll have a catheter, but he won't feel that either, so kwim?), and I still advise planning a recovery celebration trip rather than during....

Make a countdown calendar, let him surf the web with you to pic activities/meals etc as his time-passing activity!

Best wishes!

Well, it's good to "talk" with someone else whose son has had foot surgery. Even if different - it's still the same, sort of.

I will take the epis if offered. Thanks for the heads up on that.

I'm surprised you've heard of those other surgeries!

 

[mccathy]

Also - roscoepc1 - how's your son doing now?? Any more surgeries in his future?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have a friend who just had surgery on her feet. Lots of pain (and her wheelchair tipped this week and owie owie owie as she landed on her casts--and in the same week she hhad the surgery !!!).

If he is able to do a last hurrah at Disneyland--I'd do it unless it is contraindicated for his condition.

As for during his recovery--I'd see how it is going before making any plans to do such a thing.

 

[mccathy]

I have a friend who just had surgery on her feet. Lots of pain (and her wheelchair tipped this week and owie owie owie as she landed on her casts--and in the same week she hhad the surgery !!!).

If he is able to do a last hurrah at Disneyland--I'd do it unless it is contraindicated for his condition.

As for during his recovery--I'd see how it is going before making any plans to do such a thing.

Ouch!

 

[cheshireqt]

To OP,

Your son's body needs time to heal and recover from surgery. For the best long term results, let him take it easy during the weeks after his surgery. I'm sure, as you say, you can find lots of local things to amuse him. Travel is very stressing and tiring under the best of circumstances. Wait until he is well and he can fully enjoy Disneyland. Good luck.

Agree completely. While your heart is in the right place and your reasoning tugs at my heartstrings, it just does not seem like a good idea. I say this for the reasons stated by Cooky, but also b/c he wants to compare DL in CA with WDW FL. Wouldn't it be better to give him something to look forward to after the casts come off and his little feet have healed, maybe you could let him help with some of the planning while he is recovering?

 

[mccathy]

Agree completely. While your heart is in the right place and your reasoning tugs at my heartstrings, it just does not seem like a good idea. I say this for the reasons stated by Cooky, but also b/c he wants to compare DL in CA with WDW FL. Wouldn't it be better to give him something to look forward to after the casts come off and his little feet have healed, maybe you could let him help with some of the planning while he is recovering?

Yup... we're going to wait.

So, we'll be visiting the library, art museum, planetarium, field museum, shed, zoo, other zoo, farms... Lots of places we haven't been to yet and some old favorites.

I just don't want him to be bored for 6 weeks! Also, thinking of getting him a DS or Wii. Although - I've always said I'm going to postpone getting either one of those things until he's asking for it! I have a feeling a DS might be in his future, though...

 

[roscoepc1]

Also - roscoepc1 - how's your son doing now?? Any more surgeries in his future?

Unfortunately he passed away August 2008. No more surgeries for him, he's busy creating havoc in Heaven!

Thank you for asking! It's nice to talk about him, actually!

 

[Echo queen]

Yup... we're going to wait.

So, we'll be visiting the library, art museum, planetarium, field museum, shed, zoo, other zoo, farms... Lots of places we haven't been to yet and some old favorites.

I just don't want him to be bored for 6 weeks! Also, thinking of getting him a DS or Wii. Although - I've always said I'm going to postpone getting either one of those things until he's asking for it! I have a feeling a DS might be in his future, though...

I am so glad your not going. I just love the museum of science and industy there, they have the best banana splits in the ice cream parlor. I am originally from IL. 2 hrs north of Chicago. I will be flying into Midway for mothers day weekend to surprise my parents.

I wish him a speedy recovery so he can get on with his DL/WDW touring at full speed. Best wishes.

 

[mccathy]

Unfortunately he passed away August 2008. No more surgeries for him, he's busy creating havoc in Heaven!

Thank you for asking! It's nice to talk about him, actually!

I'm sure he's keeping those angels up there pretty busy!

 

[mccathy]

I am so glad your not going. I just love the museum of science and industy there, they have the best banana splits in the ice cream parlor. I am originally from IL. 2 hrs north of Chicago. I will be flying into Midway for mothers day weekend to surprise my parents.

I wish him a speedy recovery so he can get on with his DL/WDW touring at full speed. Best wishes.

Thank you! Enjoy your visit - we've been having nice weather here, hopefully it'll be that way when you surprise your mother!

 

[MightyMom]

DONT DO IT!!!!

My 11 year old son had a heel osteotomy and tendon transfers in Sept. This was his 4th leg surgery .... and his 15th overall surgery. This was BY FAR the most difficult, painful and complicated surgery and recovery.

He developed a staph infection on the incision site... of course we couldn't see it because it was under the cast.

He was MISERABLE. I live in deep south texas... it is warm straight through November... the heat made made him even more miserable.

He had pins in his foot stabalizing the bones. (They were removed 6 weeks post op) Another cast was then put on for another 4 weeks.

Sometimes his foot would really hurt...... We had to have it elevated for the first 6 weeks.

I didn't dare take him to a place where someone might "accidently" run into his foot. It would be too painful.

Besides that.... bathing is really really tough. Can't imagine doing it in a hotel room.

Have you ever traveled with a wheelchair?? It's a pain in the rear!!!!

Why put yourself through all that??? Just wait until the cast is off... find local things to occupy him. Buy him a Wii or an Xbox.lol It's the only thing that kept us sane for the 4 months he was homebound. (he wasn't allowed to go to school)

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Taja]

Glad you decided against Disneyland until your DS recuperates and is on his feet. IMHO, Disneyland isn't as comfortable as WDW for those in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues. Much better than it used to be, but still not as comfortable as WDW!

Could you make Disneyland a reward for everything he will be going through? You wouldn't have to tell him about it now, but discuss the actual rehabilitation time with his doctor and physical therapists and begin making plans based on his progress.

It sounds as though you have some special outings planned for him. Wishing him--and you--the best for a speedy recovery!

 

[mccathy]

DONT DO IT!!!!

My 11 year old son had a heel osteotomy and tendon transfers in Sept. This was his 4th leg surgery .... and his 15th overall surgery. This was BY FAR the most difficult, painful and complicated surgery and recovery.

He developed a staph infection on the incision site... of course we couldn't see it because it was under the cast.

He was MISERABLE. I live in deep south texas... it is warm straight through November... the heat made made him even more miserable.

He had pins in his foot stabalizing the bones. (They were removed 6 weeks post op) Another cast was then put on for another 4 weeks.

Sometimes his foot would really hurt...... We had to have it elevated for the first 6 weeks.

I didn't dare take him to a place where someone might "accidently" run into his foot. It would be too painful.

Besides that.... bathing is really really tough. Can't imagine doing it in a hotel room.

Have you ever traveled with a wheelchair?? It's a pain in the rear!!!!

Why put yourself through all that??? Just wait until the cast is off... find local things to occupy him. Buy him a Wii or an Xbox.lol It's the only thing that kept us sane for the 4 months he was homebound. (he wasn't allowed to go to school)

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Wow! Sounds awful.

We aren't going - I changed my mind after reading a few stories of foot surgeries - but yours is really freaking me out!

 

[MightyMom]

Wow! Sounds awful.

We aren't going - I changed my mind after reading a few stories of foot surgeries - but yours is really freaking me out!

Didn't mean to freak you out, dear.

I just want you to be realistic about the upcoming recovery period so that you'll be prepared. The doctor didn't do a good enough job of preparing me... but I guess if he told the parents the truth... no one would opt to operate.

My son needed both feet done, but I opted to do one at a time because he's way too heavy for me to manage. My son was under strict non-weight bearing instructions. It was really really tough..... so much so that we can't even THINK about doing the second foot any time soon.

The wonderful thing is... his foot looks AWESOME!

 

[mccathy]

Didn't mean to freak you out, dear.

I just want you to be realistic about the upcoming recovery period so that you'll be prepared. The doctor didn't do a good enough job of preparing me... but I guess if he told the parents the truth... no one would opt to operate.

My son needed both feet done, but I opted to do one at a time because he's way too heavy for me to manage. My son was under strict non-weight bearing instructions. It was really really tough..... so much so that we can't even THINK about doing the second foot any time soon.

The wonderful thing is... his foot looks AWESOME!

So glad to hear that his foot looks AWESOME! I'm hoping for no more orthotics and that Quinn will be able to keep up with his peers.

We're going to do both at once, because he is still light enough for me to help - if you consider 45 pounds light! But I don't want to put him through any more surgeries than I need to.

We just got our second opinion and are going back to our orginal doctor next week to talk about surgery seriously - up until this point it's all been "when you're comfortable". I want to get it done and soon - now that I've heard another doctor said this is what we need to do.

I do appreciate your openness with the horrors of it all. Maybe my doctor will prepare me for that... but maybe not! At least this way I can expect the worst.

 

[MightyMom]

So glad to hear that his foot looks AWESOME! I'm hoping for no more orthotics and that Quinn will be able to keep up with his peers.

We're going to do both at once, because he is still light enough for me to help - if you consider 45 pounds light! But I don't want to put him through any more surgeries than I need to.

We just got our second opinion and are going back to our orginal doctor next week to talk about surgery seriously - up until this point it's all been "when you're comfortable". I want to get it done and soon - now that I've heard another doctor said this is what we need to do.

I do appreciate your openness with the horrors of it all. Maybe my doctor will prepare me for that... but maybe not! At least this way I can expect the worst.

I think you're making a smart decision in doing both feet at the same time. If my son was lighter... I would have done the same thing. If you want to keep in touch with me.... you can email me at trisha2576@aol.com or look me up on facebook trisha hernandez scott I'll be more than happy to give you some pointers or at least you'll have someone to talk to who has been through it.

 

[mccathy]

I think you're making a smart decision in doing both feet at the same time. If my son was lighter... I would have done the same thing. If you want to keep in touch with me.... you can email me at trisha2576@aol.com or look me up on facebook trisha hernandez scott I'll be more than happy to give you some pointers or at least you'll have someone to talk to who has been through it.

Thanks! Just sent you a facebook request....