We are now 2 weeks into lengthening and Ava’s leg is now 0.5cm longer (based upon the fact that we have pulled her bones apart via the magnetic process). We have had our first follow up hospital appointment with the consultant and you can see from the X-ray below how everything is working. It is truly a remarkable procedure and because it’s on the inside of Ava’s leg no one can see what’s happening.
The consultant spoke to us about the risks associated with the procedure - pain once the leg break gets bigger due to muscles, tendons and nerves also being stretched, and dislocation of the knee which is major as this would mean the end of the treatment entirely and would result in another big operation. To minimise the risk of the latter Ava must do quite intensive physio exercises several times a day. So lots to fit in with school, homework, lengthening and physio.
Ava returned to school yesterday and while most kids would be feeling apprehensive after such a long time off, Ava is doubly so due to the fact she is returning with a broken leg and part way through a lengthening process. I think this is more about discomfort and potentially other kids reactions. I now have to perform the first of the day’s lengthening before school at 7am to ensure we allow sufficient time between the 2 distractions.
The first day seemed to go ok and the school once again have been really supportive in making adjustments for her. This is obviously harder due to them managing the social distancing and year group bubbles due to Covid too.
We’re back at the hospital next week for another x ray and where the leg should hopefully have grown some more. X Ray images to follow!
