Traction, ahead!

We got the call today that traction is set for next Wednesday.  We're nervous about that, but hoping that it is something that will work for Clark.  Surgery will be 4 weeks after traction starts.  Prayers are certainly needed.
 

Traction in Range

Our appointment with the orthopedist went well.  They want to start traction in September.  I'm ready, but nervous.  After 4 weeks of hanging from his leg in a little red wagon, my (still very tiny) baby  will have to go under anesthesia to either (1) get a giant cast that stays on for around 4 months or (2) have invasive surgery to physically place his hip in the socket and THEN get a giant cast that stays on for 4 months. 

On one hand, I'm so glad we have a time line for when Clark's hip will be fixed.  On the other, I'm nervous about treatment.  Specifically leaving Clark lying in a wagon 24 hours a day, he can only come out 3x/day to eat.  Helloooo, babies eat way more than that, in fact Clark eats every 1.5 hours!  And, I can only imagine he won't be happy about it all either...he's a lot like me in that he's not a big fan of change.

Thank goodness Scottish Rite is such an amazing hospital, and we also have a wonderful doctor & nurse.  It seems they hold our hand through every step of this process.  Without that caring approach, I'm sure this would be much harder.

Here are some example pictures for traction & the spica cast:

We're still here.  Life has been crazy lately, hence the lapse in updates.  Clark is 7 months old & 11.5 lbs.  We had our appointment with the ophthalmologist.  Clark has nystagmus in both eyes and goes back for further testing/refracting in October.  We should find out a rough estimate of how well he can see & if he needs glasses.  This likely won't be great news, but I do believe he has some vision.

The meeting with the pulmonologist went about as expected.  His lungs are functioning well, all things considered.  They are in the normal range size-wise, but on the smaller side of normal.  They're slightly spotty, but clear enough not to be considered chronic lung disease.  No wheezing, no crackling.  We've got a very lucky boy.  The doctor did mention that he has micrognathia which means that his jaw is undersized.  This was an AHA! moment for us as Clark has had a hard time nursing well.  Thankfully, this is also a condition he can potentially grow out of.

We go to see the orthopedist tomorrow. I don't think any treatment will start but he will have an ultrasound or xray and consult with the doctor.  He has to be bigger & heavier to start traction.