28 May 2019 Tuesday
On this day after completing a WSH course I received a call from my elder son that his brother broke his bone when he jumped down from the slide. I thought he was exaggerating but it was true, confirmed by my husband who was luckily at home during that time.
Rushed down to Mount Alvernia Hospital while simultaneously checking the insurance coverage. Side note - the Singapore MRT System is understatedly fast and well connected, I travelled from Joo Koon and reached the hospital within an hour.
In pain but still have not cried so far. I didn’t know then that his bone was totally broken. Very brave boy.
Now you can gasp. Not only is the bone now bones, the lower part is also twisted which could not be seen here.
The doctors did not suppress their reactions. He needed surgery asap. When the ortho doctor came and said that if he can’t reset it then he has to open him up, my poor boy finally burst out and cried. The doctor was reassuring then that nonetheless it’s a totally fixable situation.
By then it was almost 10pm and partly because we gave Luis food, the surgery will take place next morning at 7.30am. Luis was in pain, he was given ibuprofen to lessen the pain. Finally fell asleep near 12am. He stayed on his back but with a few subconscious short cries when it was painful. He even opened his eyes once and gave me a smile before falling back to sleep. I’m so proud of my son, in good spirits despite the situation.
Next morning Lucas called me before 7am from school and asked how is Luis. Sweet Lucas is worried about Luis. I woke Luis up so the brothers could talk on the phone. Shortly after the nurses came to move him. They wanted to move him into another bed but Luis protested loudly and insistently because of the pain. Again I’m happy that he could advocate for himself. I felt guilty that I didn’t stand up for him more, and then told myself that I shall not be a weak mother again.
Finally we reached the operating theatre. Luis was abit scared, I tried to reassure him. I was fine all along but when he went under the gas mask and gradually slept due to the anaesthesia, my heart broke for him. Almost could not talk when it was time for me to leave. I guess my face said it all as the nurses and doctors kept reassuring me that they will take care of him.
Surgery was successful, no opening up.
Just out of surgery, little groggy. The little man had 3 wires inside him now.
So the doctor now said that he hasn’t seen such a serious case in 3 years and it’s the first time he put 3 wires instead of 2. I’m glad he didn’t say these before the surgery.
Lucas called again during recess to ask if he can visit Luis immediately after school. He was worried about his brother, just that he couldn’t recognise it. I told him that we will bring him during the afternoon.
We stayed for two nights and Luis had visits from the family and the school principal. Fortunately for the Cartoon Network and the great food, he enjoyed his stay at the hospital. Even Lucas ate two meals there. Luis also asked a few times why he has so many presents.
Brothers pretending they are on a spaceship. Watching Teen Titans Go on Cartoon Network.
Finally on the second day Luis was able to get off the drip and go for his X-ray before confirming he could go home.
Walking to the imaging room for his X-ray.
Bones in the right place now. Doctor said it could be better. But I’m already impressed that he moved them back in place without opening him up at all.
Next day Luis prepared breakfast for me.
With the juice and bread from the hospital. Lol...
Practicing writing with his left hand.
I am grateful that all turned out well at the end of the day. It was a memorable experience that he now thinks back happily. The experience in the hospital was actually good! Total bill came up to under $15k, thank goodness I bought good insurance for both boys in 2016 following Lucas MRI incident. Luis went through the whole experience with courage and good spirits. For that I’m proud of him. Well done, Luis.
