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Spica Survival Tips

So you broke your femur, huh? Now you're in a Spica cast. You can't walk. You can't sit up completely or even really lay completely on your back. There is a bar connecting your two legs, so you can't even wear pants, for goodness sake! Well, don't throw up your hands in despair because I, Andrew Mergenthaler, have some tips for you!
Really, surviving containment in a Spica cast for four weeks isn't as bad as it sounds. Actually, it's kind of like being a baby again. Remember tummy time? Well, it is very important. My mom makes sure to rotate my positions every few hours to avoid bed sores. I don't mind it too much. Being on my stomach also makes it easier for Mom to change my diaper. Who wants to sit there with stinky pants? Oh, I mean a stinky diaper because, like I said, I can't wear pants. Another tip--minimize trips in the car as much as possible. Because you can't sit up or fit in your car seat, getting in and out of the car is a BIG pain. Honestly, I don't think the contraption they gave me at the hospital to use in the car is very safe. Mom tried to practice with the thing at home before she would take me in the car, and it doesn't work that great, so, most of my "getting out of the house" is in the stroller.
Another thing that is like being a baby again is bath time. Only sponge baths are allowed and the easiest way for Mom to do that is to set my bath supplies up on the kitchen counter and use the sprayer from the kitchen sink. I have to be very patient for Mom to get the kitchen counter all cleaned off and ready. I'm not quite sure why she can't keep up with the dishes all the time--it's not like she has anything else to do besides take care of me.
My favorite thing about being in a Spica cast is that my good friend, Landon, is letting me borrow his red wagon. My sisters and brother pull me all over the house in that thing. They have even figured out how to play football with me. I think I will spend the bulk of the next 4 weeks in Landon's wagon. That is where I eat and play and when I'm not in it I am hounding my Mom to put me back in there.
What else can I tell you? Oh, I know! Make sure you have lots of people around you to help you out. I'm lucky because I have two big sisters and a big brother. When they get home from school, they are happy to see me. They read me books, play blocks and puzzles, play me music, talk to me, and get me snacks.

So, if you find yourself in a "get up" like this, don't worry. Just sing a song and smile and everything will be fine!

(Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of the page before playing the video.)

Comments

The Kirkmans said…
poor guy, although it sounds like he is in excellent hands and making the best of his situation. You are amazing, and I'm sure coming up with all sorts of creative ways to turn this into a positive.
September 27, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Anjee said…
My poor little Andrew...What a trooper you are! Did I see you smiling in almost every picture? You are such a happy boy. Next time I have a trial I am going to think of you. You are so blessed to have such a loving family to take care of you too! And what a nice friend you have to let you borrow his wagon. That wagon looks fun!

Uncle Jeremy says...Poor little dude feel better soon. We love you and appreciate your tips in case we ever have to have a cast like yours.

Aunt Anjee

Aunt Anjee
September 27, 2009 at 11:54 PM
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