"You need to take him to the Orthopedic Clinic right away!" Those were the first words I heard from Holiday Valley's First Aid when we entered the clinic. Max was cradling his arm. I shouldn't have been too surprised. When he and his friends walked into the Lodge to tell me he had fallen, his wrist was as big and bumpy as my knee. It was the urgency that scared me.
My son was amazing. Not a tear. We took him to Ellicotville Orthopedics (which is conveniently located 3 minutes from the main lodge at Holiday Valley). His friends waited anxiously in the lobby to hear if he would be able to snowboard at club this Friday. Max knew it was bad but he kept hoping. You see a broken wrist means no snowboarding, no lacrosse, no snowboarding, no squash, no snowboarding, no guitar and no snowboarding. Did I mention no more snowboarding? He has been looking forward to club since last March.
After being examined, the doctor (who was terrific) offered us two choices: manipulate the off-centered bone to try to push it into place or schedule surgery. The first could be done right way, but may not work and would be "uncomfortable" for Max. The doctor's look at me when he said "uncomfortable" let me know my baby was going to experience some real pain. Surgery would mean going back to Buffalo, waiting over the weekend and operating on Monday. Max immediately told the doctor to try to push it into place now.
Just the highlights: one fairly large doctor pushing on my son's swollen wrist as the other fairly large x-ray technician added "traction" too the arm by pulling it apart. Max never cried. After three tries, four x-rays and the discussion on surgery/pins/anesthesia the bones were aligned. We left with pain killers and a very sad teenage boy.
In the car, Max was telling his friends how the first aid person at Holiday told him he could still board with a cast. Thank you ma'am. My pure gratitude for her efforts immediately turned. I know she was trying to make him feel better, but the boy will NOT be boarding with a cast. Mom once again needs to be the bad guy. His friends assured me he would be fine to board on Friday. Thank you Dr. Teenage Boy and Dr. Broken Bone Expert. I was actually really happy his friends were there. Boys have a way of making each other feel better by laughing it off. Thank you my young "experts".
During the experience I could think of nothing but my baby. How disappointed he was, how much pain he was in. He, however, was trying to be the "man", pulling away from my help and telling me I did not need to be in the room with him. Yes, I am proud of his independence and courage. He is growing up but my feelings are the same as they were when he was a little boy. I still want to hold him and make him feel better. Physically painful for him, emotionally excruciating for me. Last night, he let me get a little closer. This is going to be a long 6 weeks.
The good news is that he is ok and he should not have any permanent damage. Welcome 2010!
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Oh, Bonnie, what a shame! Not a good way to interrupt a vacation or start the year. I hope everything heals well quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think the missing all his sports and guitar is more painful than the injury. We are getting further xrays next week to ensure he doesn't need surgery or pins. At least we have our first injury of 2010 out of the way.
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