The big hip surgery for Jack

The 3rd May saw us finally come to the day we'd been expecting for a few years now.  Jack had bilateral hip osteotomies where the surgeon cut the top of the femoral head, rotated it to sit in the hip sockets at the right angle, then joined the bone back together with metal brace.  His hips were dislocated prior to this surgery so there was no avoiding it.  Here he is with his Dad, early that morning - as much as I tried to explain to him what was going to happen, I knew he had no comprehension of the surgery which I guess is pretty normal for a 5 year old. 

And here he is, just before they took him in for the surgery - even gave the surgeon a hi 5!

And sleeping like a baby, post surgery the day after.  This is with the help of some serious drugs including a pretty lousy epidural!!

And of course the bad times, there was plenty of this which was extremely frustrating for me as I felt so helpless - not even being able to cuddle him.

But by day 4, he was finally able to get out of bed and here we are having our first family cuddle.  Short and sweet but lovely nonetheless. 

And here is his most excited visitor. Lucy was so pleased to see him as she really adores her big brother, and I think he was just as pleased to see her.

And one of my least favourite Mother's Days - spent in the hospital but at least it was with my little family! 

And our brave little champion, even managed to find a smile before we left.  It must have been incredibly painful but he is just an amazing kid.  Even asked me on the Saturday with his book, 'when is Jack going back to kinder?'. 

And lastly, here is the finished product.  He has 2 great big dirty scars on either hip which have healed quite nicely but a constant reminder of this time.  We seriously have the best doctors looking after us at the Royal Childrens Hospital and his surgeon, Abhay Khot, did a wonderful job and is a lovely guy.  I couldn't help but hug him for taking such good care of our boy.