Caring for My Child in a Cast

Before I was a Mom, I was an ortho/cast tech for many years. You definitely do not want a bathroom accident in a cast. If there is any chance of an accident, I would use the diapers just to be safe. Also, you can purchase a cast guard to cover the cast for bathing. It is a lot easier than using a trash bag. I like the Sealtight brand www.drycast.com.
Good Luck!

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This must be so tough for your family and son to go through, I'm sorry!

I think maybe to get a little radio flyer wagon would be nice for him to ride in if you can't find a stroller. A jogging stroller could work too, since the legs are more laid out than having to bend like a regular stroller. I see them in Kid to Kid every now and then for pretty good prices, and you can sale it once you are done with it on craigslist maybe.

And since I haven't gone through this, maybe putting him in the diaper anyways, just to be safe is a good option.

Has his Dr. or physical therapist referred you to after care yet? Perhaps they can refer some good push toys or strollers he can use.

Hi, first of all I am sorry you and your son are going through this, but isn't it wonderful what modern medicine can do!

Do you know anyone who is handy with tools at all? The reason I ask is because I know of something that could be made pretty easily and cheaply that would help. When I was a young child I had a disease in my hips that caused me to be in a wheelchair for two years. The cast sounds a lot like what your chuld will have. My grandfather made me a cart that was just a few inches off the ground so I could use my arms to push myself around. I am including a link to show you a picture of the "tummy trolley." This is similar to the one I had, except mine had a back to it so I could sit up right also. Scroll about half way down to see it. It should be pretty easy to make. http://www.perthes.org.uk/photos Obviously you won't use it for long, but you could always donate it to a hospital when you are done so another child could use it. Anyway, I hope that helps. Best of luck to you.

When my younger son was 11, he broke his right tibia and his left ankle at the same time in an inline rollerblading accident. He had surgery on his ankle and was casted up to his knee. His right leg was casted to his groin. We used a wheelchair for the time he had the long cast. (He graduated to crutches with a walking cast on one leg and a ortho boot on the other. Yeah, he was a sight!) You can rent the wheelchair for the time needed and, generally, your insurance will pick up the tab. During the day, my son showed his independence and would drag himself down the hall and up onto chairs with his arms. Now, remember he was 11; not, three years old -- so, of course, he was bigger and stronger. As for the potty question, I don't have any answers for a three year old. For bathing, we just took large trash bags, wrapped them securely around the casts, taped them with heavy-duty wrapping tape, put a plastic chair in the shower/tub and installed a hand-held shower head with an extension tube. He could then wash himself and rinse off all from the chair without any problems. It takes alot of improvisation for times like this!

Good luck to you and your little guy!
R.