This event actually took place 3 days before Lincoln’s 2nd birthday. However, I wanted all of my posts to be all related to my sweet boy’s second year of life for the week. So, here we go…
It was a typical Sunday night. Jared, Lincoln, & myself were shopping at our favorite store, Target. Lincoln didn’t want anything to do with being in the shopping carriage, so he was alternating between riding on my lap, or helping Daddy push the cart.
I had to use the restroom, so I left my boys in the produce area. When I came back, I spotted Jared holding Lincoln across the store. It was very clear that Lincoln was upset. I basically flew down there as fast as I could.
Of course when Lincoln saw me, he wanted me immediately. Jared handed him to me and I immediately noticed that his left arm was completely limp. I asked Jared what happened. I’m not sure how familiar you all are with the shopping carts at Target, but some of them have this little “two seater,” where two children can ride along. Apparently Lincoln was helping to push the carriage and decided to step inside the cart. When he stepped out, his arm somehow got wrapped around the strap, and he fell. Jared said he stood up, grabbed his left forearm, and screamed.
I thought for sure, Lincoln broke his arm. One of my worst fears. Having OI I knew what my little baby was feeling. Only thing was, he didn’t understand. I was in my wheelchair, so I had him sitting on my lap. I supported his left arm with my left arm, sort of like a sling. If nothing was supporting his little arm, I knew he’d be in more pain. Jared and I left Target immediately.
I suggested we go to the Children’s Hospital which is about 40 minutes from where we were. Lincoln fell asleep as soon as we got him into his carseat, so I knew he wouldn’t mind the drive. Jared was surprised he fell asleep. I was not. Any time I have ever broke a bone, I have gotten extremely tired. My poor baby.
While we drove to the hospital, a million things flashed through my mind. It brought me back to my own childhood, only this time, I was my Mom. How did she ever do this? Watch her baby in so much pain? Everything I was doing to comfort Lincoln, I remember my Mom doing for me. It was very surreal for me. I wiped the tears from my eyes and forced myself to be strong. I needed to be strong for my son.
When we arrived to the hospital, they took us right away. The only thing they wanted to do which I absolutely did not allow, was place Lincoln on an itty bitty baby scale to get his weight. I knew his weight, he was just at the pediatrician for our Lyme disease scare the week before. I knew this would cause him great pain. Unnecessary pain.
We saw a doctor fairly quickly. He examined Lincoln and said he was hoping it was something called nursemaid’s elbow. This is a very common injury in young children. It’s a dislocation of a bone in the elbow called the radius. If this was the case, it was an easy fix. However, just to be sure, he still wanted to send Lincoln for x-rays.
Jared and I were able to both accompany Lincoln in x-ray. I was right next to Lincoln the entire time, helping the tech hold his little arm in the positions needed to get the shots. There was one x-ray where she needed to move his arm in a certain position. When she did this, she said “OH, I felt a pop!” Lincoln immediately started to move his arm. She went out to ask the doctor if we could stop the x-rays and observe him for a bit.
When we got back to the room they brought Lincoln some toys. He happily played away. The x-rays showed no signs of a fracture or broken bone. It ended up just being the dislocation!
Someone had to of been watching over my sweet boy that night. I cannot even tell you how relieved I felt when I saw his little arm move. This was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to go through as a parent.
When we got back home, Lincoln gave us what we call a “family hug.” All three of us hug at the same time. It was like he was thanking us for making him all better 🙂
This picture was taken just a few minutes after we got home. You would never even know he was injured!
I am thankful. Very very thankful.
How scary!!! So glad he is ok.
Aw…poor Lincoln. I'm glad he's okay!!!
Sidenote: I know so many kids that end up with this injury. Lincoln is the second I've heard about in the past month. It's so common….but I know that doesn't make it any easier when it happens to your own child.
…i cried a little reading this… hoping that your lincoln wasn't hurt. i am so glad he's ok… and you are a good momma…