Day 5 and pin site cleaning

Over the past few days we have been shown how to clean the pin sites on Ava's leg. There are 18 in total (which all go from the outside to inside of her leg). Although this is a large number of open wounds, with correct care we're hoping to prevent any germs from entering her leg which would result in an infection.

The nurse in charge of lengthening took us through the process on Ava's leg. It takes about 30 minutes and has to be performed weekly. This is then the only time Ava can have a shower ( she's not allowed baths as you're sitting in 'dirty' water).

Ava did not react well to the cleaning and pretty much screamed the ward down. Although this process does sting, Ava's reaction was more shock than pain. This is because the cleaning involves removing the pads that cover the pin sites, which make the entry into the leg very visible. As the operation had only recently been performed the pin sites were quite bloody, and Ava was shocked (hence the reaction). The nurse said her response was common and that it will be easier when we start to do it at home (fingers crossed!).

Ava has also had an X-ray of her leg. This will be used to calculate measurements of the leg which will then be fed into a computer by the consultant to calculate Avas's prescription for lengthening. Each case is obviously different and we have a specific program for Ava's leg. This will be to correct the twisting (tibial torsion) and lengthen (fibula hemimelia) by 5-6 cm.

 I find it absolutely amazing (and am thankful) that this type of procedure can be done.  If Ava's leg was left as it is the difference in length would continue and there would come a time when she simply wouldn't be able to walk.  This is why the decision to undertake lengthening was a no brainer for us.  I know it has been and will continue to be hard for Ava, but it will be so worth it in the end and something we know she'll thank us for when she is old enough to understand.