Today we met with the plastic surgeon to see about possible "balloons" for Olivia. Apparently her foot that is pointed (and she can't flatten it) won't have enough skin to cover the heal once they correct it. When "we" point our toes we have a little ripple of skin on our ankle, but since Olivia's foot has always been in the pointed position, she doesn't have that extra skin.
So we have to figure out how to cover her ankle with skin once her foot is corrected. The plastic surgeon didn't feel comfortable doing balloons with Olivia since her legs are very small and skinny. He said it takes a significant size balloon to create as much skin as we will need. He felt that the size balloon needed would most likely cut off her circulation. He also felt that filling the balloon would be traumatic for Olivia. So he wants to go with skin graphs. They will shave a small section off her hip, they then put little slices in it to expand it, so they can cover a larger area with a smaller graph, then have to graph that onto her heal. (the machine that expands the graphs reminds me of the little hand tools that you use to cut the pie crust to go over the top of the pie)
I was a little disappointed that we can't do the balloon, as that would have been limited scarring. I know as a girl/women that scars are not as acceptable as a boy/man. Men seem to be able to pass them off as "battle wounds".
We want what is overall best for our little girl, so we will move forward with the graphs.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
CHRISTMAS PROJECT - Shriner's Hospital
We have felt so grateful for all the Shriners has done for our daughter. They have not only treated her free of charge, but they are an amazing organization. I have never seen a hospital system work so smoothly, and be so centered around the "patient".
So this Christmas we are trying to gather enough funds to help pay for a new large toy for the x-ray waiting room. Their current toys have been well loved and are missing many parts.
If you want to donate to help our cause, please go to www.helpoliviataylor.com, and select CONTACT US.
Here is the web-link of the item we are getting if you want to read more.
http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=O+4+701 D
There is also a LARGE area that used as a play room. We wanted to buy a large play structure for the kids to play on. We are getting the playcenter by Step2 called "Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber". (if you want to look it up on line.)
Both these toys will cost $1,000 total. So if you can help contribute that would be great. We have decided to only buy our children one gift each this year, and really teach them about service, and giving to others that are in real need. We think that this is the true spirit of Christmas. We don't want out kids to be obsessed with what they are getting, since they should be focussed on GIVING. Besides giving is much more enjoyable then receiving when done well.
So this Christmas we are trying to gather enough funds to help pay for a new large toy for the x-ray waiting room. Their current toys have been well loved and are missing many parts.
If you want to donate to help our cause, please go to www.helpoliviataylor.com, and select CONTACT US.
Here is the web-link of the item we are getting if you want to read more.
http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=O+4+701 D
There is also a LARGE area that used as a play room. We wanted to buy a large play structure for the kids to play on. We are getting the playcenter by Step2 called "Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber". (if you want to look it up on line.)
Both these toys will cost $1,000 total. So if you can help contribute that would be great. We have decided to only buy our children one gift each this year, and really teach them about service, and giving to others that are in real need. We think that this is the true spirit of Christmas. We don't want out kids to be obsessed with what they are getting, since they should be focussed on GIVING. Besides giving is much more enjoyable then receiving when done well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
10/31/2007 Halloween - Olivia gets all her Teeth Fixed
Today is the day that Olivia finally gets her teeth fixes. She has been complaining about pain, and ALL, yes ALL her teeth are decayed. We tried to fix two at the dentist office, but she was just scared and screamed the entire time. Even though she had a valium and gas. So we had to stop the procedure. Today we go to Dr Brian Homer, and his pediatric anesthesiologist. They will basically put her under and do ALL her teeth at once. No one wanted Halloween for obvious reasons, but since Olivia has been complaining about pain, we grabbed the first date that we could.
I took her to school as they were having a large costume parade, and Olivia really wanted to wear her "PRINCESS" costume. I wasn't sure what condition she would be in after her procedure, so the parade may be her only event she gets to attend.
She wasn't allowed to eat or drink, since she would be put under a hour after the party. But she loved the parade. At the end she had to take her valium, and then within one hour we were at the dentist office. She kept saying her head was SHAKY, so we knew the valium had kicked in... LOL Then they came out and gave her shot with verced... she didn't seem to feel the shot at first, but I think that it started burning, because she suddenly looked over and saw the needle and started crying.
But within minutes she was completely zoned out and they took her back to start the work with no crying, she didn't seem to have any idea what was going on. It took about 3 1/2 hours for them to complete all the work. Dr Homer was so great, he did all her teeth in white and only charged us for the "silver". Which made her teeth look amazing, you can't even tell how much work she had done. Plus I am sure that her mouth would have had a awful metal taste with all the work that she had done, so now she doesn't have to deal with all that. She did great, though was really out of it when I brought her home.
She slept for some time and then woke up and cried that she was HUNGRY. So the doctor said to let her eat as she asks for it. So I gave her some water and 2 pretzels. Well within 30 minutes she starts to throw up, which since she was laying down shot straight up in the air and back on her face and hair and everywhere. Luckily I was right there and had to hold her in sitting position. Then I had to bath her, as she got vomit EVERYWHERE. She was so limp she couldn't even sit up in the tub, and it was hard to bath her... she felt like she would just slip in the water and drown. I got her dressed again and she wanted juice, so I gave her some, and again about 30 minutes later that came back up. We did this for hours... she came home around 3pm and didn't stop throwing up until about midnight.
The next day she wanted a mirror and wanted to see her teeth, she was so excited, and said "Look mom, white teeth", they were so decayed they were brown previously. She did complain that they hurt for a few days, after that she has done great. We are so grateful for our awesome dentist.
Soon we have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to look at putting balloons in her ankle area, so that when they fix her foot that is pointed straight there is enough skin when they straighten it... right now it has always been pointed, so it really can't go flat. Then two days after that she will see a hand specialist to determine the best treatment plan. The day after that we meet with Dr Roach and we will go over a complete treatment plan for her hands and feet. I am excited to get these last two BIG surgeries done, so we can just work on therapy and the fun stuff.
I worry at times if she regrets coming to the USA, she has had so much happen here, and so many painful events, that we hope that she is happy, and doesn't think we are just torturing her. Though all these surgeries will help her GREATLY in her future, she wasn't in "pain" now, so I am not sure she understands that we are helping her, when she just knows that she wasn't in pain, and now she is??
I took her to school as they were having a large costume parade, and Olivia really wanted to wear her "PRINCESS" costume. I wasn't sure what condition she would be in after her procedure, so the parade may be her only event she gets to attend.
She wasn't allowed to eat or drink, since she would be put under a hour after the party. But she loved the parade. At the end she had to take her valium, and then within one hour we were at the dentist office. She kept saying her head was SHAKY, so we knew the valium had kicked in... LOL Then they came out and gave her shot with verced... she didn't seem to feel the shot at first, but I think that it started burning, because she suddenly looked over and saw the needle and started crying.
But within minutes she was completely zoned out and they took her back to start the work with no crying, she didn't seem to have any idea what was going on. It took about 3 1/2 hours for them to complete all the work. Dr Homer was so great, he did all her teeth in white and only charged us for the "silver". Which made her teeth look amazing, you can't even tell how much work she had done. Plus I am sure that her mouth would have had a awful metal taste with all the work that she had done, so now she doesn't have to deal with all that. She did great, though was really out of it when I brought her home.
She slept for some time and then woke up and cried that she was HUNGRY. So the doctor said to let her eat as she asks for it. So I gave her some water and 2 pretzels. Well within 30 minutes she starts to throw up, which since she was laying down shot straight up in the air and back on her face and hair and everywhere. Luckily I was right there and had to hold her in sitting position. Then I had to bath her, as she got vomit EVERYWHERE. She was so limp she couldn't even sit up in the tub, and it was hard to bath her... she felt like she would just slip in the water and drown. I got her dressed again and she wanted juice, so I gave her some, and again about 30 minutes later that came back up. We did this for hours... she came home around 3pm and didn't stop throwing up until about midnight.
The next day she wanted a mirror and wanted to see her teeth, she was so excited, and said "Look mom, white teeth", they were so decayed they were brown previously. She did complain that they hurt for a few days, after that she has done great. We are so grateful for our awesome dentist.
Soon we have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to look at putting balloons in her ankle area, so that when they fix her foot that is pointed straight there is enough skin when they straighten it... right now it has always been pointed, so it really can't go flat. Then two days after that she will see a hand specialist to determine the best treatment plan. The day after that we meet with Dr Roach and we will go over a complete treatment plan for her hands and feet. I am excited to get these last two BIG surgeries done, so we can just work on therapy and the fun stuff.
I worry at times if she regrets coming to the USA, she has had so much happen here, and so many painful events, that we hope that she is happy, and doesn't think we are just torturing her. Though all these surgeries will help her GREATLY in her future, she wasn't in "pain" now, so I am not sure she understands that we are helping her, when she just knows that she wasn't in pain, and now she is??
Monday, October 29, 2007
11/22/2007 Olivia Broke her Leg!!! UGHHH!!!
As you all know Olivia started Kindergarten a few weeks back, which she loves.
Well today they call me and tell me that there was an accident, and Olivia got her leg stuck in her stroller. She has a personal aid, and this is the person that was pushing the stroller. They said that she has been screaming for over 15 minutes. So they put her on the phone so that I can talk to her and try to calm her down. She says "mommy my leg hurt... please come". They tell me they don't think she is REALLY hurt. I said my daughter is very tough and didn't scream like that after her surgery. So SOMETHING is wrong… So I said I was going to come pick her up.
So I drive to get her, and she is still screaming… clearly in pain. Her eyes are big and puffy, like she has been screaming awhile. The aid again tells me that she doesn't think she is REALLY hurt... I didn't say anything to her, because I was a little in shock that she would say that. My daughter NEVER screams like that, even when she does get hurt, she normally just brushed it off. So I KNOW that something is wrong. The aid did apologize and seemed to have felt bad that she was crying.
I take her to the car… she is still sobbing and she screams when I have to lift her to put her in the car (despite how careful I was being) so I decide to take her to Shriners … I was actually scheduled to go there this morning anyway to get a temporary handicapped parking sticker (parents are rude when I leave my car at the curb to take my daughter in and pick her up from school, and I didn't want to ILLEGALLY park in the handicapped space, I don’t have time to explain her situation to every parent at that school) She was also in pain since her cast removal last Thursday, so we had used her left over codeine from her surgery for the weekend and now we needed more. However this morning she did fine with no pain meds, she didn’t cry when I got her dressed or put her in the car at all. Which she had the previous days, so it seemed that her stiffness had worn off to some degree.
So I go straight to Shriners, Olivia cries the entire way there (about 30-40 minutes) It took allot longer since I had to drive really slow as every little bump she was screaming. I called my husband and told him that something was really wrong with her.
I finally get there and ask to see her doctor (I didn't want to go to an ER as Shriners is awesome, and is more familiar with her medical condition... which is rare, and I knew they would be faster and they are FREE, which is great since we are still trying to pay for her dental bill this month.
Olivia’s care coordinator comes down, she sees how Olivia is crying and I explain to her what little I know about what happened. They take her to x-ray and take several x-rays of her leg were she said it hurts. And her hip to make sure it is still in socket. Which of course she screamed almost the entire time. The x-ray techs asked what the heck happened to her, as she is always so happy for them (you always see the same techs at Shriners), so I explained the situation. They all felt so bad for her, even Thursday when she was in pain after her cast removal, she was laughing and happy most of the time even at x-ray... just when you moved her she would say "BE CAREFUL MOMMY...OWIE"… pointing to her leg.
So we get the X-rays back, and they tell us that it looks like her leg is BROKEN.... nice!! My first though is they would put another huge cast… her hip is fragile still and I know she can't have a heavy cast on her leg, as it can pull on her hip, which could dislocate it. I was very happy to learn that this type of break (and were it was) heals quickly and they only had to splint her leg, so we can remove it and bath her, and they said it should heal in 2-3 weeks.
I called the school and told the receptionist (who is so sweet by the way) and she couldn't believe it. She said that they would need to fill in an accident report. I told them that they could call Shriners to verify her injury. I am sure that they are worried we will sue. But despite the fact that we would love extra money for Olivia's dental work… LOL I would only sue someone if I felt they intentionally injured my child or were really neglectful. I really believe it was an accident, and Olivia being our 5th child, I know that sometimes things happen even when you are being careful. Olivia bones are more brittle from her condition, and malnutrition and being in a cast so long makes them more brittle. So it wouldn’t take as much pressure to break her bones as a normal healthy child.
Anyway that is the end of my saga for the day. Olivia got pain meds for on the way home from the hospital, so she has been sleeping about two hours now. I feel so bad for her, it is not as if she doesn't have enough things to go through in the next few months, or that she hasn't been through enough.
We meet with hand specialist next month and the surgeon to begin our treatment plan for her two feet. Hopefully her leg is healed in time :( We had hoped to have her in swimming lessons this week, to really help with her hip etc. (we were waiting for her pain level to go down to were she didn’t need pain meds, which it seemed to be there just this morning) So now she can't really do any therapy or move well again. They wanted her to really get some strength during her break between her hip and her feet surgeries but I don't see that happening :(
Se please send your prayers Olivia’s way that she will heal quickly and will return to her happy self. She has just loved school and asks us everyday to go, even on the weekends. Now she is begging me not to go back to school :( So I hope that we can make school a happy place again, I hate the thought of dragging her to school when she is begging not to go.
Well today they call me and tell me that there was an accident, and Olivia got her leg stuck in her stroller. She has a personal aid, and this is the person that was pushing the stroller. They said that she has been screaming for over 15 minutes. So they put her on the phone so that I can talk to her and try to calm her down. She says "mommy my leg hurt... please come". They tell me they don't think she is REALLY hurt. I said my daughter is very tough and didn't scream like that after her surgery. So SOMETHING is wrong… So I said I was going to come pick her up.
So I drive to get her, and she is still screaming… clearly in pain. Her eyes are big and puffy, like she has been screaming awhile. The aid again tells me that she doesn't think she is REALLY hurt... I didn't say anything to her, because I was a little in shock that she would say that. My daughter NEVER screams like that, even when she does get hurt, she normally just brushed it off. So I KNOW that something is wrong. The aid did apologize and seemed to have felt bad that she was crying.
I take her to the car… she is still sobbing and she screams when I have to lift her to put her in the car (despite how careful I was being) so I decide to take her to Shriners … I was actually scheduled to go there this morning anyway to get a temporary handicapped parking sticker (parents are rude when I leave my car at the curb to take my daughter in and pick her up from school, and I didn't want to ILLEGALLY park in the handicapped space, I don’t have time to explain her situation to every parent at that school) She was also in pain since her cast removal last Thursday, so we had used her left over codeine from her surgery for the weekend and now we needed more. However this morning she did fine with no pain meds, she didn’t cry when I got her dressed or put her in the car at all. Which she had the previous days, so it seemed that her stiffness had worn off to some degree.
So I go straight to Shriners, Olivia cries the entire way there (about 30-40 minutes) It took allot longer since I had to drive really slow as every little bump she was screaming. I called my husband and told him that something was really wrong with her.
I finally get there and ask to see her doctor (I didn't want to go to an ER as Shriners is awesome, and is more familiar with her medical condition... which is rare, and I knew they would be faster and they are FREE, which is great since we are still trying to pay for her dental bill this month.
Olivia’s care coordinator comes down, she sees how Olivia is crying and I explain to her what little I know about what happened. They take her to x-ray and take several x-rays of her leg were she said it hurts. And her hip to make sure it is still in socket. Which of course she screamed almost the entire time. The x-ray techs asked what the heck happened to her, as she is always so happy for them (you always see the same techs at Shriners), so I explained the situation. They all felt so bad for her, even Thursday when she was in pain after her cast removal, she was laughing and happy most of the time even at x-ray... just when you moved her she would say "BE CAREFUL MOMMY...OWIE"… pointing to her leg.
So we get the X-rays back, and they tell us that it looks like her leg is BROKEN.... nice!! My first though is they would put another huge cast… her hip is fragile still and I know she can't have a heavy cast on her leg, as it can pull on her hip, which could dislocate it. I was very happy to learn that this type of break (and were it was) heals quickly and they only had to splint her leg, so we can remove it and bath her, and they said it should heal in 2-3 weeks.
I called the school and told the receptionist (who is so sweet by the way) and she couldn't believe it. She said that they would need to fill in an accident report. I told them that they could call Shriners to verify her injury. I am sure that they are worried we will sue. But despite the fact that we would love extra money for Olivia's dental work… LOL I would only sue someone if I felt they intentionally injured my child or were really neglectful. I really believe it was an accident, and Olivia being our 5th child, I know that sometimes things happen even when you are being careful. Olivia bones are more brittle from her condition, and malnutrition and being in a cast so long makes them more brittle. So it wouldn’t take as much pressure to break her bones as a normal healthy child.
Anyway that is the end of my saga for the day. Olivia got pain meds for on the way home from the hospital, so she has been sleeping about two hours now. I feel so bad for her, it is not as if she doesn't have enough things to go through in the next few months, or that she hasn't been through enough.
We meet with hand specialist next month and the surgeon to begin our treatment plan for her two feet. Hopefully her leg is healed in time :( We had hoped to have her in swimming lessons this week, to really help with her hip etc. (we were waiting for her pain level to go down to were she didn’t need pain meds, which it seemed to be there just this morning) So now she can't really do any therapy or move well again. They wanted her to really get some strength during her break between her hip and her feet surgeries but I don't see that happening :(
Se please send your prayers Olivia’s way that she will heal quickly and will return to her happy self. She has just loved school and asks us everyday to go, even on the weekends. Now she is begging me not to go back to school :( So I hope that we can make school a happy place again, I hate the thought of dragging her to school when she is begging not to go.
10/20/2007 Olivia's 7th Birthday Party
Olivia had a GREAT time at her birthday party. We of course had to give her codeine as she is still really sore and we wanted her to be able to enjoy it.
We held it all The Little Gym in Sandy, Utah. It was great, the kids had so much to do and their staff was great at entertaining the kids.
Olivia was all over the place... you couldn't even tell that she had been in so much pain. (Thanks to the codeine). She was rolling all over and loved playing with all the kids. She loved the cake, but calls it "POTTY" cake, which doesn't sound at all appealing LOL... she means "PARTY" cake, but it never sounds like "PARTY".
She also loved the presents... I am sure that Christmas will be a blast too.
We went home and she just loved playing with all the new toys. It is so great for her to have so many things that are hers. We didn't give it much thought at the time but when we brought her home so many of the toys were the babies... since they were 3 years worth of birthdays, Christmas's, etc. Though the babies are great at sharing, I know it is nice to have things that are just yours.
We held it all The Little Gym in Sandy, Utah. It was great, the kids had so much to do and their staff was great at entertaining the kids.
Olivia was all over the place... you couldn't even tell that she had been in so much pain. (Thanks to the codeine). She was rolling all over and loved playing with all the kids. She loved the cake, but calls it "POTTY" cake, which doesn't sound at all appealing LOL... she means "PARTY" cake, but it never sounds like "PARTY".
She also loved the presents... I am sure that Christmas will be a blast too.
We went home and she just loved playing with all the new toys. It is so great for her to have so many things that are hers. We didn't give it much thought at the time but when we brought her home so many of the toys were the babies... since they were 3 years worth of birthdays, Christmas's, etc. Though the babies are great at sharing, I know it is nice to have things that are just yours.
10/18/2007 Cast Removal
Olivia FINALLY got her cast off today. She has been telling us "Olivia cast off, and Olivia walk"... I wasn't sure should could walk right away since I knew her muscles would be weak as she has been in a cast for 3 months now. But of course we told her "Yes Olivia walk, when her cast is off".
I made the mistake of telling her days in advance that she was getting her cast off today, and she has asked non-stop since... "Cast off today"... She was very happy all the way there. Last time she was asleep, so I wasn't sure how she would do with the loud saw.
They started to cut it off and she did great. I video taped it and if I can figure out how to put it on here I will add it.
As soon as the cast came off Olivia said "No walk"... "later". As the day continued I noticed she was in more and more pain. Which I thought was odd as she hasn't had any pain since the first week of her surgery.
We scheduled her hand specialist appointment in November so we can determine if they will operate or what the best plan is for her. We also scheduled to meet with the doctor to set up our protocol for treating her feet. Both will need surgery, but we need to get a game plan together for that.
She was in so much pain by the time we got home that I gave her some codeine left from her surgery. (Very glad that we had some).
She slept well and the next day needed more pain meds. She was starting to pull herself up at the table and slowly walk around the table and couches. She was quite proud of herself... LOL
We can't wait to get her back in swimming and let her enjoy her cast free months.
I made the mistake of telling her days in advance that she was getting her cast off today, and she has asked non-stop since... "Cast off today"... She was very happy all the way there. Last time she was asleep, so I wasn't sure how she would do with the loud saw.
They started to cut it off and she did great. I video taped it and if I can figure out how to put it on here I will add it.
As soon as the cast came off Olivia said "No walk"... "later". As the day continued I noticed she was in more and more pain. Which I thought was odd as she hasn't had any pain since the first week of her surgery.
We scheduled her hand specialist appointment in November so we can determine if they will operate or what the best plan is for her. We also scheduled to meet with the doctor to set up our protocol for treating her feet. Both will need surgery, but we need to get a game plan together for that.
She was in so much pain by the time we got home that I gave her some codeine left from her surgery. (Very glad that we had some).
She slept well and the next day needed more pain meds. She was starting to pull herself up at the table and slowly walk around the table and couches. She was quite proud of herself... LOL
We can't wait to get her back in swimming and let her enjoy her cast free months.
Friday, October 12, 2007
10/13/07 Olivia's 7th Birthday
Olivia's first birthday in the USA :) She will be 7. At school on Friday they had a little event for her birthday and was she so excited. They have her a crown that showed cupcakes and she was thrilled to just get the PICTURE of the cupcake...laugh
Though her birthday is technically the 13th, we decided to have her party on October 20th, since she gets her cast off on October 18th, and we wanted her to be able to run and play and really enjoy her party.
I am posting her birthday invitations that was made by sweetandsimpleannouncements.com I am just in love with her designs :)
If you are in Utah and want to meet our little Olivia, please RSVP.
Though her birthday is technically the 13th, we decided to have her party on October 20th, since she gets her cast off on October 18th, and we wanted her to be able to run and play and really enjoy her party.
I am posting her birthday invitations that was made by sweetandsimpleannouncements.com I am just in love with her designs :)
If you are in Utah and want to meet our little Olivia, please RSVP.
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