We are home from the hospital and dd's surgery went well - Any great FULL CAST tips?

[Kari C in SC]

She has a full leg cast. The nurse walking us down gave a few helpful tips on doing things. If you have had a child in a full leg cast, please share any helpful advice. I am thinking it is going to be a LONG 6 weeks! Did I mention we just moved to a split level house with stairs. She is still in a good bit of pain from the surgery, but "they" tell me she will feel better in a few days.

[Melinda in VT]

When my son first broke his leg, we felt so guilty and bad for him that we carried him everywhere. (He was nine.) Then we realized he was scared to use his crutches and that it would be a looong six weeks if he had to depend on us to move around. (Not to mention that he was in ps and needed to be mobile.)

So we hardened our hearts and forced him to use his crutches. Fast forward six weeks. The cast came off. The doctor pronounced the leg fully healed . . . and ds wouldn't walk without the crutches. He just didn't believe that his leg would hold him up.

Once again, we had to implement tough love and hide the crutches. The first two weeks, he walked like he'd had a stroke. Literally. We went on vacation, and I remember people starting at him as we walked through the airport.

But he got stronger and more confident and his gait became closer to normal. It took several months for the last of the limp to go away, but by the end of the summer (he broke his leg in March) he was back to normal.

I don't remember much about the cast, other than thinking showers were a lot easier once it finally came off. Oh, and having a step stool in the bathroom so he could rest his leg on it while he was sitting on the toilet helped.

[JudoMom]

but I just wanted to let you know I'm glad the surgery went well and that y'all are home. I hope she heals well and quickly :).

[Mom2legomaniacs]

No advice but well wishes for healing! I hope it goes well from here out as well.

[Amy in Orlando]

Sorry, no advice, either. I'm glad you're home and she's on the mend!

[Kelli in TN]

Kari, I am so glad that part is over. I hope she heals well and that you are still somewhat sane when this whole thing is over!!:)

[BeachGirl]

I had a full leg cast in 5th grade. I remember showers with a large black bag taped to my leg. I remember the itching under the cast. A pair of chopsticks or a back scratcher can help with reaching the itch in the upper leg. I also remember getting to put my leg up on a chair while eating. Stairs going down just need to be done on her bottom for a while. Going up is easier. Just take them one at a time and hop or go up on your bottom also. Extra love and TLC from mom helps a lot at a time like this!;) Good luck.

[Karin]

Yes, one of my younger brothers had a full leg cast and it got ITCHY. Back then, you kept the cast on forever (okay, I think it was 6 weeks as he was in Gr 1 or 2). Also, his leg was skinny and covered in dark hair when they took the cast off. I'm mostly posting to say I'm glad it went well!