The Little Lion - Rory's Story

When Covid restrictions started to ease and we were able to take Rory out and about, we realised that his appearance (at the time it was his mass of bandages) invoked curiosity from strangers. We quickly learned that we needed to prepare our 'elevator pitch'; a quick fire explanation that answered any questions without taking up too much of our time, nor encroaching on Rory's privacy. We thought we had that one fairly sussed: "He was very poorly when he was a baby. The doctors saved him, but they couldn't save his leg."   And that's fine for most adults. It's the truth in the most simplest of terms so it does the job and allows us to move on. We were sorted... right? The Prompting Incident August bank holiday and our traditional twice-annual camping weekend came around, where we had our first encounter with a strange child (strange in the unacquainted sense of the word, not peculiar). We were in the playground with our friends, Pete was helping Rory up...

Well, it's done! Rory is now officially an Amputee, joining a select club of some very special and inspirational people.  I'm pleased to report that the operation went smoothly, and thankful that this event is now in the past.  A-Day I spent the days preceding the Thursday keeping myself distracted from the inevitable overthinking by packing, unpacking and repacking the many bags we were taking with us; a weeks' worth of clothes for Rory and I, toys and books for him, books for me, food and milk for the both of us, as well as the day to day essentials like all the nappies, bibs, etc. There was a lot to pack; a real eye opener for any future holidays! Gone are the days of me slinging an overnight bag over my shoulder... The day itself started early; a 5am wake up to make sure we were in Sheffield by 7:30. Rory was first on the surgery list, so Pete took him down to theatre at 9:15 with the anaesthetist. Then came an incredibly long and agonising morning... it was gone luncht...

 This month's update is... no update! I was conscious that I haven't really shared any news recently and to be honest it's because there isn't much to say.  We attended Limb Reconstruction Clinic last month, where we met some of the prosthetics team and the other doctors working with Mr F on Rory's care, but other than a bit of a catch up and a few more questions there wasn't really much to report back on.  Next month will see us meeting with Grimsby Physio (as Sheffield have handed over to them now), the Burns/Plastics team for a check up on his leg, and a catch up with Sheffield Paediatrics for an update on his overall medical picture.  Other than that, we have finally been able to live a 'normal' life! It feels great to not be burdened by hospital appointments, and to at last be able to focus on the ordinary happenings of a seven month old.... sitting up, babbling, and the minefield that is weaning.  I want to take this pause to address a major challe...