4th FD rod

Ethan is 2 weeks post op from what is hopefully his last surgery for a few years.  (crossing fingers, knocking on wood, praying, and whatever else may bring us good fortune).  He now has FD rods (expandable rods) in all 4 of the long bones in his legs.  The only bad news we received is that it looks like the rod in his left tibia may not expand.  :(  It is not definite at this point but Dr. E thinks it is unlikely to expand.  He said this happens 30% of the time, with it being more likely the younger the child.  The bones are softer and do not hold the screw as well.  So, in the future there is an option to place a pin to keep it in place BUT this adds a risk of having the pin migrate.  Either way, Dr. E thinks we will get at least 2 years out of the rod even if it doesn't expand.

Before surgery, Ethan attended the yearly OI Clinic in Omaha.  It is a comprehensive visit where he gets X-rays, dexa scans, hearing screens, as well as seeing a surgeon, geneticist/peds to discuss PAM dosing, Dietician, PT, OT, Dentist, and probably more that I can't remember right now.  In summary, it went well.  Ethan's bone density (DEXA) z-score was exactly the same as last year -1.2.  This is still good, considering he has OI.  It means he is 1.2 standard deviations below normal bone density (osteopenic).   Based on this. Dr. L recommended we leave his PAM dose as it is.  The x-rays showed that Ethan had a compression fracture in his spine that we did not know about.  We are not positive when it happened, but believe it must have occurred when he was pushed down at Preschool.   Yet another reason I am glad we chose to remove him and really it is best that I am no longer in contact with any of them as this certainly caused my anger level to hit the roof.  Thankfully the PAM will help to re-plump the vertebra over time.  Lastly, the Dentist noted that Ethan's top teeth are starting to wear down as well.  She did agree to see Ethan as a patient since we are having trouble finding a local Dentist willing to cap Ethan's teeth.  So, if it comes to it, we can take him to Omaha and have the dental surgery there.  That is such a relief!

Freak snow storm in Omaha

Made a Target run before OI Clinic and surgery and Ethan loves to hide in the clothing racks.  The belts do not provide much cover.  ;)

Mr. Mischievous.  We chased him all over this store.

Post op

Holding Mommy's hand.  The first thing he asks for is Mommy's hand.  <3

Playing with Thomas

Happy to sit up and play with toys

The day after discharge we went to the zoo.  In case you're wondering, the snake is not real.  Nana didn't know that though.  Sent her the pic and told her it was.  Haha.  

Back at the hospital keeping another Mama company while her son was in surgery.  Ethan and Shannon were discussing the fishes in the tank.

One of the reasons we go to Omaha.  Dr. E playing with E and his toys in the surgery waiting room.  He just finished E's buddy Fin's surgery and took the time to hang out on the floor with E and play.  <3 this man.

Ethan is recovering well from his latest surgery.  He has already tried to walk using the cam walker boot at only 1.5 weeks post op.  It hurt and he had a rough night afterwards so I'm ready to duct tape him to the floor so he can heal because he wants to go go go.   He should be back up and walking in his walker by Thanksgiving if the past is a good indicator.  For now we are enjoying the snuggles, dancing, crafts, and floor time since he is not as mobile.

Our most recent craft - salt dough ornaments that we made and painted.