18 Month Old with a Cast

Try to put yourself if in his shoes - now imagine being only 18 months old and not understanding what is going on. He is hurting, confused and needs his mommy. Your sleepless nights and exhausting days are just part of being his world and he totally needs you right now. Try to comfort him with lots of hugs and kisses whenever he needs it and muster up all of your patience - he is still a baby, after all. Get him some stickers and things to decorate his cast. Help him with the itches that come. Tell your doctor what is going on - they might have tips or be able to put him into a flexible cast soon. Just be there for him - this is a small drop in the bucket for what mothers do for their children - you'll both look back and laugh one day.

It is so hard when they are that young to understand what is happening to them. Does he act like is still hurts? Did the doc give any advice for that? Does it seem to itch? I broke my arm in second grade and even to this day all I really remember is how itchy it was. My daugther had hip surgery and had a cast from the waist down. I learned a few tricks with that. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting (I know some don't have that setting so this might not work) and blow it down in the cast. Does the cast go up to where his diaper meets? If it gets smelly you can use the feminine hygene spray to help with that. It is probably hard for him to get comfortable when he sleeps, stacking pillows to help relieve the weight and pressure can help.

As his bone mends he should get some comfort. The cast is just the hard part to get adjusted to.

I can't even imagine my 14 mth old in a cast. He is such a busy boy it would drive him nuts. I am sure if your son is the same, just not being able to be the independent boy that he is used to being would make him unhappy.

I pray he will be on the mend in a hurry for him and for your sanity.

I have lived in Richmond all my life - Chesterfield for 20 years - so if you need someone to show you around just let me know and I will send you my info.

Take care,
P.

I don't have any idea about how to comfort a child with a cast. I was wondering what part of Chesterfield you'll be moving to. We've been here about a year and a half now and love it. Good luck with your move.

Hey R., I don't have any advice to offer about your little guy in his cast. I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I hope it all settles down soon :)

I just wanted to let you know that I noticed your blurp about moving to Chesterfield later this month and your Colorado plates. I'm from Wyoming!! I live in the Hull Street area and I totally know what you mean about the "looking lost"!! It's a huge adjustment. If you see someone in a white Tahoe looking sympathetic. . .it's me! I'll honk and wave!

R.,

I wish I had advice, but I don't other than hang with it!! How many weeks in are you and how many do you have to go? I'd probably be marking the days until the cast comes off off the calendar like if I was counting down to Christmas!

I just wanted to say welcome to the area - your 'lady lost while driving' comment in your 'About Me' made me laugh. Don't worry - I've been here for 6 months and if it's not in Short Pump, I need detailed directions (it doesn't help that I'm working in Charlottesville at the moment).

Again, Welcome to the area and Good Luck with little man & his cast!

J.