Another day another challenge!

Sometimes you have to wonder if there is any such thing as a routine day? While Samuel Morris has been recovering well from his surgery, a new challenge has emerged.

Many disabled children confined to their wheelchairs develop severe osteoporosis and become at serious risk of fractures. It has been clear for some time that Samuel has been in this category and there had already been discussion about possible treatment interventions such as biphosphonate infusion to improve his bone density. This issue is now a primary one as will be explained below!

Medical professionals also need to pay heed to the observations of parents (particularly in non communicative children), who after all do know their children the best! It was pointed out to some of the doctors that Samuels pain and discomfort did not appear to associated with the operation site or general movement but more specifically with the movement of one of his legs. Several requests were made to have his leg xrayed, but the doctors tried to assure us that the pain was associated with the surgery. After finally agreeing to have the xray done what did they find......... broken tibula and fibula in his left leg.

It seems that the breaks are as a result of the physical manipulation to determine his range of movement and improvement since the insertion of the Baclofen Pump. So I guess now we know the reason for his cries of pain and obvious discomfort.

So in addition to everything else Samuel now has a large splint on his left leg, and a bunch of new challenges in positioning him to make him comfortable (and not break any more bones!), whilst finding a solution to sitting him up and getting him mobile as he cannot be adequately positioned in his wheelchair! We know have the challenge of discussing treatment options to improve his bone density, and make this happen asap.