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Lindsey patellar dislocation

Occasionally, Lindsey and Christopher go over to the elementary school near our house to walk or run on the track. This evening, the kids wanted to take a little evening stroll, so I drove them to the track, parked the car, and oddly, this was first time I'd actually stayed while they ran. I decided to work on cutting out stamp sets while they got a bit of physical activity in. After they'd been around the track a few times, Christopher came running up to me yelling frantically, pointing toward Lindsey, screaming that she'd fallen and was hurt. I jumped out of the car, ran over to where she was lying on the ground, hysterically screaming from pain, as she told me her knee had popped out of place. She was literally screaming her head off, which is unlike her. I could tell she was in pain.

I ran back to the car to move it closer to where she was and called my sister-in-law, Debbie, a physical therapist, and told her quickly I had an emergency and needed her help. I didn't know what to do. Should I call 911? Should I try to take her home? Impossible, she couldn't even move! She was lying there on the cold ground in shorts and her I {heart} NY t-shirt, completely helpless, and I wanted to do the right thing to help my child. This was a deja vu moment, like when I saw her forehead pierced with a needle to numb it for the stitches last week, as I squirmed uncomfortably to observe the other needle sinking into her flesh for adding the sutures. It killed me to watch, but I kept it all inside and wanted to scream as I was holding her hand. But I didn't. So, here we go again. I was freaking out, and wanted to help Lindsey, not cause more horror for the poor girl, so I kept my emotions in check. That's a tall order in and of itself. Yes, I'm a basket case with my feelings.

Debbie told me I could carefully press on the knee and try to maneuver her kneecap, to gently slide it back into place. I looked at it and it appeared to be totally off to the side. It was so bizarre looking, and clearly dislocated. I wasn't sure I could handle it. I handed the phone to Christopher, who quickly told me he just said three quick prayers and felt like we should call 911. Just then, I put my hands on her knee and tried to do exactly as Debbie had instructed, applied a little bit of pressure, then it popped back in place and Lindsey felt relieved. Then she said, "Thanks, Mom," and we both stood up and sobbed in each other's arms. I held her up, and helped her to the car. It was freaky. It scared me to death. I'm such a non-doctor type of person, but it's always amazing to me how the maternal instincts kick in when your child is in distress. It's truly one of the most incredible phenomenons I've ever seen or experienced.

The irony is that I had just emailed Amanda about this subject earlier today, expressing these same feelings, regarding an incident she'd gone through when the safety of her baby was involved.

As the three of us got home, after icing Lindsey's knee and getting her comfortably situated, we bowed our heads and thanked our loving Father in heaven, for being there for us in a time of distress. Again, I'm counting my blessings that she's okay. I've had enough trauma with her to last me a while! From the knee cap, to the stitches in her head, to the recent car wreck, that should be enough! The prayers will continue!

So here's what I just came across on the Internet regarding this situation. Aunt Debbie is going to give us some exercises for her to do to strengthen her knee and leg, and I'll schedule an appointment with a doctor tomorrow too.
  • Patellar dislocation: the patella, or knee cap, becomes dislocated in children (usually girls) with this condition. While the knee cap usually easily moves back into place, it will probably continue to slip out of place without treatment, which consists of immobilization while the knee is extended for about six weeks and quadriceps strengthening exercises for rehabilitation.

Comments

Heidi said…
Oh man I don't know if I could ever do that you are so brave! I would probably faint if I saw a knee or any bone out of place on someone!
sayfuzzypickles said…
Kelly, It's so amazing how you and I are so alike, we are definitely cut out of the same cloth. I am not at all in the least the doctor type! I freak out when my kids get hurt and try to put on the brave face and be a mom in control. You did great Kelly, I am glad you called Debbie, your sisters in law are so knowledgeable in their field.
Unknown said…
Way to go...what a good mom you are.
Kellie said…
Is Lindsey accident prone? Just joking, but really, she's had a few traumas this last month or so, huh? I truly believe mom's are blessed with two great gifts -- one is the gift of worrying and overreacting about anything that happens to our kids. Someone needs to worry a little extra for them in scary situations because occasionally we are right. The other great gift is to swallow all the worry and fear and act with calm and confidence. Of course, the spirit is a big help in all of this. I'm so grateful for both blessings when they come. And I'm glad everything turned out okay.
Lonna said…
This is interesting, James' brother is always saying that he thinks that there is like a injury cycle for each person, his is every four years. A big injury or lots of accidents at a time every four years. Maybe you should look back to the last time, before this last week, when she was injured and plan on the next time.

Kudos to your bravery. I am a panic person so I don't know how smoothly those situations would have gone for me, but I am really proud of you.
Megs said…
What a day! I am so glad she is okay. I am impressed with your medical skills. I think I would have been too freaked out to touch the knee. What a good mom!!
Amanda said…
So scary! I understand the maternal instinct thing, but I don't think I could have handled that so smoothly! I'm glad everything worked out and you maintained your (well earned) SuperMom reputation.
Mandi said…
You have had quiet the rollercoaster ride with her lately Kell. You are braver then I, I am not sure I could do that! Go Mom!
Summer Adams said…
You ARE brave! Whoo, that gives me the willies just thinkin' about it.

And second (I've not been on blogs for days and just now seeing it):
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the new do!!!! Soooo stinkin' cute. I"m all about bobs right now while they're in. It's totally you and you have the perfect-shaped face for it. Beautiful!
Anonymous said…
Wow, what a scary situation! It's funny, but I get that way about the kids, even though they're not even mine. I took Thomas to the skate park once and I could barely watch him going on the ramps because it made me so nervous.
Holly said…
Way to go Kelly and for staying calm. Having worked in the ER, a calm parent makes all the difference to the child and with the treatment. Sounds like a pretty intense moment. I hope everything goes well with MRI and stuff.
Julie said…
I'm so impressed with how you handled that! I hope I would be able to do the same for Sheridan if the moment ever presents itself....but I'm hoping it doesn't! ;)
Modan said…
I am so happy that everyone is okay, i am impressed that you were so brave and i am proud of you! i hope Lindsey is doing fine and hope that your family won't have anything more to worry about in while!

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