For the Love of the Game

I figured if this news doesn't get me back into blogging, then nothing would. I've been so busy lately and just don't want to take the time to write on my blog when there's a million other things to do. So if any of you are still reading, (thanks!) I've got a blog worthy event to tell you about!

Brady and Cameron have been playing basketball again this season and are on the same team with their Dad as their coach! All was well until last Saturday when disaster struck. Cameron passed the ball to Brady during their game when Brady went running after it full force to keep it from going out of bounds. He reached the ball, but kept running into the cinder block wall. Now, I couldn't attend the game so I wasn't there, but I've heard about the scream that came out of his mouth that silenced the entire gymnasium. He was in so much pain! His left elbow was injured and no one realized at the time what a horrible break just took place. He was given ice and sat out the rest of the game. No swelling was immediately apparent so the boys came home. Jeff then took Ally to her basketball game when I was told to come home from my DI obligation (whole other blog post...maybe next time...) to check on Brady's arm.

Look at the swelling on his left elbow. Ouch!

Showing the broken arm

When I got home and noticed the kiwi sized knot on the inside of his elbow, I knew he broke it. We raced to urgent care for some x-rays but were sent home with a referral to an orthopaedist for the following week. And a sling. And ibuprofen. The dr. told us he had all the tell tale signs of a fracture but couldn't locate the fracture! Brady had a HORR.I.BLE weekend. He was in so much pain. So first thing Monday morning I called the ortho and was squeezed in for that afternoon. I thought for sure they would cast it, maybe prescribe a stronger pain medication and send us on our way. After 6 more x-rays, and 2 exhausting hours in the office, it was confirmed that not only did Brady break the bone completely off, but that it would not correct itself and required surgery to fix it. WHAT?! He was to check in for surgery at 6am the following morning, pushing back all the other surgeries scheduled for this morning. It was that bad! Crazy!

Here's the broken chunk of bone lying in part of his forearm.

After many tears, lots of anxiety, a thousand prayers, a sleepless night, and a couple of panic attacks, (may or may not be from me, just sayin'...) the surgery was a success and his bone is back in place being held there with 2 pins. He will remain in this huge cast for 3 weeks after which the pins will be removed and a smaller cast will take it's place for 3-4 additional weeks.

Pre-op. Just a little nervous. ;)

2 pins successfully holding broken bone back in place.

Coming out of sedation.

Trying to force a smile.

Brady loves basketball. He is dedicated to improving himself each practice and game and being done for the season is devastating to him. His extracurricular activities will have to be put on hold for the next 2-3 months while this horrible injury heals. No basketball, no violin, no PE, etc. He's crossing his fingers (on his good arm) that he'll be well enough to compete on the swim team this summer. In the meantime, it looks like he is going to master some video games one-handed!