Ella had a much better week, this past one. She was happy most of the time and she cooperated well during her therapies. I think she is finally getting over the trauma of the operation. Unfortunately though, today she woke up with a slight fever and she’s been very touchy and cranky all morning. Netta’s been on edge too starting yesterday evening when she was very cranky and whiny. We got a call last week from Dr. Patel who tentatively set Ella’s next surgery for June 8th. That is a good time for us. I wasn’t too pleased that he mentioned for the first time that we should come to Chicago for a “check-up” in April or May. I’d rather not have to make another trip even though we could do it in a day or just one overnight. Mostly I’m not thrilled about the expense and I wonder whether it is absolutely necessary, especially since Dr. Bauer didn’t mention a check-up visit when he followed Ella in the hospital. So whether we will go before June is still questionable.
Ella’s sutures seem to be healing well although the cheek is still very hard and we can’t do enough massage on them. Ella doesn’t like the massage at all and fights it unless she has a video on to distract her. Even then, when massaging the incision on the side of her head near her eye she twists and turns away, so it’s hard. Now Ella has new braces. She has AFO’s with hinges and she has a wrist brace to wear during the night. It is very restrictive but apparently is designed to pull her thumb out and keep her fingers straight. Hopefully, Ella’s good nature is coming back, with a mild setback now (due to illness). We miss her pre-operation personality!