Sunday, April 19, 2009

Schoolyard Accident - Take Two

Well, it's spring so time for another installment of phone-call-from-school-because-Kennedy's-hurt-on-the-playground. Except, this time, it's much worse than last year's broken arm incident.

This past Wednesday morning about 11am, I had just picked my father up after his surgery at the hospital to take him home. We were on the way to his house when my cell rang - it was the school. Kennedy had an accident outside and her hearing aid got knocked off; they were still trying to locate it. I thought to myself, "Well they better find it, the darn thing costs thousands of dollars." They said she was fine but asked if I could come over. I asked Dad if he was up to it and he was, so we turned around and headed back to K's school.

When I got there, they reported they had found her aid, which had landed inside her coat. I was relieved for an instant, until I pulled up her hair that covered the area where her implant goes. The titanium screw that is affixed to her skull to hold her hearing aid implant on was driven back out of its normal place and dislodged halfway from her skull. It was a bloody mess. I had to sit down, not from the blood, but from the immediate sinking sensation that I knew she was going to have to have surgery to fix this. I'm just so glad she was in good spirits (thank goodness for high pain thresholds). She asked if she could put her BAHA back on and I signed/said, "No, we need to call the doctor first to see if it's okay." Then, the floodgates opened, "I DON'T WANT ANOTHER SURGERY MAMA!" she gasped in between sobs. My heart was breaking for her. I don't blame her a bit; after 19 surgeries, she deserves the right to be upset at the prospect of another.

We did eventually get her calmed down, got home, cleaned the area well and called the surgeon in Toronto who'd implanted her BAHA back in '06. He called back and said to keep it covered and the earliest we could get in was May 4th for the O.R. We also have to put her on an antibiotic for ten days because of the risk of infection and keep it covered, especially at school. We dug out her old softband (headband that the BAHA can snap onto, usually worn prior to BAHA implant surgery). Her BAHA started 'buzzing', however, so we had to send it away and wait for a loaner to arrive. So no hearing at all for the weekend until the loaner arrives on Monday.

Now, Graeme and I are planning on an unexpected trip to Toronto on May 3-6 now for surgery to have it fixed and the area on her head closed. For those of you who don't know the geography - Toronto is 18 hours away from us, so we need to fly, etc. It's very stressful figuring all of this out, with it being an unexpected trip to Toronto and worrying about infection between now and then, etc. I know I am biased but I would not think it was good judgment to have three other kids spinning her on a swing (doing a 'twisty') with about 200 kids running around. Someone's foot came up and hit her in the head (obviously pretty hard to dislodge a titanium screw/abutment from its place that's been there for 3 years). I know accidents can happen but I think sometimes Kennedy is overestimated in terms of safety and she shouldn't be; between last year's broken arm and now this much more serious injury, I think it's time to go in for a little chat about safety, etc with the school. Just one more thing to do.

Anyway, we are plugging along and Kennedy is doing very well, she is much less worried than we are...

8 comments:

The Claytons said...

Wow! I am so sorry to hear this has happened to Kennedy. I am very glad to hear that she is in good spirits though. I will be praying for ya'll that she stays healthy and doesn't develop any sort of infection. It definitely sounds like it is time for a chat with the school as far as safety goes! Sounds like it had to be a pretty hard hit. Sending hugs Kennedy's way.

Kim

Kristi said...

Oh Lisa... my heart sank when I read the title and even more when I read your first sentence.
I am so sorry this happened... so sorry. Miss K's reaction to needing surgery brought tears to my eyes, as does and all that it means for her and you and Graeme.

It's good that you're planning a chat regarding safety... even though you shouldn't have to.
Clearly, Miss K does so well that they forget there are still "special circumstances" and they need to be a bit more attentive than they've been. A mixed blessing, isn't it?

Glad the loaner aid should be in after the weekend... and glad she has sign to use with you while she's not hearing :-)

hannah m said...

Lisa, I am so sorry to read this. Thinking of you guys as you get through this unexpected bump in the road.

I feel like I say it every time I visit your blog, but I just think the world of your Kennedy. What an awesome kid. She has endured so much and yet I sense she absolutely lives life to its fullest - her spunk, personality and kind heart just shine through your blog! I feel like I'm able to catch a little glimpse of my own Viv in 10 years' time.

Thinking of your family, Lisa.

love*H+v

Leslie, Arlin and Katie Kauffman said...

Oh, Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about this! Wow, that must have been some hit Kennedy took to dislodge the screw. I'm glad she's not in any pain, but I feel bad that she has to have surgery again to fix this. I didn't realize Toronto was such a long trip for you guys. That just complicates things even more, doesn't it? I hope the next couple weeks go by quickly and the surgery goes well. Give Miss Kennedy a big hug from me and Katie.

Crystal M. said...

WOW is right, I hope it all goes well and no infection, sorry I saw this on the CHARGE group and clicked on the link about the arm before I really read anything. So just ignore what I wrote on the broken arm post from a year ago...I am losing my mind.
I will keep Kennedy in my prayers.
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva

Little Miss Evie said...

What an ordeal..I'm sorry to hear that Kennedy has to go through another surgery. I am sorry to hear you have to go all the way to Toronto to correct it. We too will be at Sick Kids on May 4th but it is only a few hours drive for us. I cannot imagine having to fly her out for surgery. We are sending big hugs to Kennedy and the whole family.
Heather and Evie

Omnibabe said...

Just heard the news. Please tell Kennedy her "Auntie Omnibus" sends her a great big hug!

Big hugs to you and Graham, too.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Kennedy! Our thought & prayers are with you!
Love, Lori & Cheyenne