Sunday, June 12, 2011

Keeping the Hospitals in Business

I heard her scream, but the intensity of it made it sound completely unlike one of my own children, and I automatically thought it was one of the numerous other kids waiting for breakfast at my hockey team's annual camp-out. I rushed to the cry and found Cayenne, who'd tripped on the flagstone stairs.

Her silky sweats weren't even torn so I was expecting a rising goose-egg or small cut, but when I lifted her pant leg it was clear we were heading for Urgent Care. The edges of the nearly 2-inch gash were rolled back like a dog bearing its teeth, revealing some kneecap. Here we go again!

The kind doctor at Urgent Care let Acacia and me watch as the wound was irrigated and brushed (while Cayenne read a cooking magazine), saying she likes to peak young kids' interest in the medical arena, but Acacia's reaction was a whispered, "That's gross," and I could see chills occasionally make their way down her spine. It may or may not have had the desired effect, but I was thankful that at least she'd have a better appreciation for her sister's plight, for which she'd had very little to that point. "Can't believe this happened before breakfast. They were making pina colada smoothies, you know."

The doc explored the hole carefully and found Cayenne's tendon lacerated. We were heading to the hospital. Another severed Cofman tendon? Nick already performed that trick a few summers ago when he wrecked some in a finger. At this rate we'll reach our annual family insurance deductible soon and the rest of us will have to make sure we get hurt this year instead of next! (Bad karma. Shouldn't even utter the words...)

The ER doctor at Mercy Hospital took a good long look at Cayenne's knee. He dug and dug and finally determined that the tendon was fine. It is deeper than the cut and seems to have been spared. PHEW! Two layers of stitches and we were good to go. 

At least good to go for the next five hours, that is. Half an hour ago the ER doc called. He just read the report from Urgent Care - huh? just now? - and it stated that the lacerated tendon could only really been seen when her knee is quite bent. He wanted to see her again.

So Cayenne and Nick are on their way back to the hospital to have the sutures removed (poor kid!), her knee manhandled, and if all goes well, restitched and sent home. If it doesn't go well... actually, I don't even want to go there yet. At the moment I'm thinking of my little girl, and am thankful her Daddy is holding her hand.

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Nick just called. Two bullets dodged in one day; makes me wonder what's going to happen tomorrow. Her tendon is indeed fine, she's resewn and famished. Cayenne never misses an opportunity to eat and is bummed by the breakfast- and dinner-timing of these ER visits.

At least she has her priorities straight!


   I bet ours is not the first hockey party to end in the ER. :)

4 comments:

  1. Kim, you are sure having a time of it!! OMG!!Not a boring moment by the sound of things! Big hug, and hang in there girl as I'm sure all will be well at the end of the day :D xxx

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  2. Dear Kim

    I propose that you wrap all your family, husband and daughters in a absorbent cotton shelter. Lock them up and have some rest ! Don't let them run nor walk nor sit… 
    On vous embrasse

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  3. May I suggest a full set of Michelin Man tires for the whole family. Thanks so much for keeping us informed on Cofman doings. - Barr

    ReplyDelete