Any suggestions for me?

[Showcalves]

Our 14 year old son had to have his appendix out last Friday.  He had some complications during the surgery (an artery was nicked) so his recovery is going to take a while.  My main problem is keeping him from showing until he's healed up.  We're going to a show this weekend and he said his brother could show for him, but he really thinks he's showing at the show next weekend.  :  Any suggestions as to ways to keep him involved without using his abdominal muscles for a bit?  His incision runs from the belly down.  Thanks for your help.

Melinda

 

[OH Breeder]

Malinda,
From someone who unfortunately has had extensive surgeries over the past one year and half. If he was told not to use his abdominal muscles that usually means 4 weeks or so. No lifting at all and if he is attempting to show that will pull on the abdominal muscles turning and if the calf pulls. I know it is hard. But he needs to rest for at least 3 weeks post surgery with no lifting. You run the risk of pulling on the incision, can create the weakness for an abdominal hernia down road ( that is what happened to me.). Then that equals more surgery.
If he wanted to go to the show, he should absolutely not lift anything for a while. It is unbelieveable how many times you use your abdominal muscles and don't know it. If he wanted to brush the calves and maybe rinse the calves but he should not be the primary hanlder. Even riding in a car can irritate the abdominal muscles. Your abdominal muscles keep you up right. Sitting in a car for long periods strains those muscles, just as sitting up right may also strain and he will fatigue.
IF you want to email me personally, please do. But follow the doctors orders it is only for his good. You also don't want to take a chance in injurying the artery they repaired.

 

[Showcalves]

You know, I'd love to follow doctor's orders but honestly he was very vague.  I know the boy is still queasy when we ride.  I'm not sure how the ride to and from the show will be honestly.  He got the staples out yesterday and is rinsing both heifers each night.  I caught him trying to lead his heifer last night and was one upset momma.    I'm just trying to think of ways he can feel like he's involved without being too involved, know what I mean?

Melinda

 

[DL]

Melinda - I would call the doctor and ask for specific - very specific instructions - explain what showing entails - be explicit - and get a time table for what he can do when - physicians (unless the have/show cattle) haven't a clue - the nurse or PA might be able to give you specific instructions - then at least you know what he can and can't do and when - I also agree with OH Breeder - it is very easy for a kid to go overboard and make things much worse for himself.....good luck

 

[DLD]

As far as riding in the truck goes, take along a fairly soft pillow and have him hug it against his belly, it helps minimize the extra movement that irritates the incisions. I did this for awhile after they took my gall bladder out and it helped alot. As far as how to keep him from leading calves before he's ready, I'm with the others, enlist your doctors help in telling him exactly what he can and can't do, and make him stick to it - remind him that if he follows orders now he should be ready to show in a month (or whatever the doctor says) but if he messes around and tears it up worse, he's liable to be out of commision all summer. Good luck.

David

 

[shortyjock89]

Yeah, listening to what the doctor says is always best, but it's not the easiest.  I had heart surgery in November of last year.  My dad was worried that I would try to go out and do everything with the calves when I got home.  Well, he couldn't keep me out of the barn once I had enough stamina to actually get there.  It was the hardest thing in the world for me not to go in the pen with my steer, and dad knew that.  So what he did was tie up the calf and let me comb him and stuff. That really made things better for me, but I wanted to wash and blow, and clip and everything.  Remember that this was all in December, and the cold takes a toll on me anyhow.  I didn't care, I just liked to be out there.  I'm really lucky that my dad even let me go out there.  I know how your son feels, and tell him that he's just going to have to deal with it for a while...that's not what he wants to hear, but it's for the best.  At least he can go and watch the calf be shown..being around the animals helped me as much as anything.    GOOD LUCK  O0

 

[red]

Glad he's OK Melinda! That was a close call!
When I had a mascectomy, the doctor knew if he told me not to work w/ the cattle I'd go downhill. He said that I was one of the fastest he'd ever seen geting their range of motion back in the arm. I told him it was from pitching manure! Find out what he can do. Explain to him that by doing things he shouldn't it will just make the healing process longer. Can he blow out the calves & help fit them? I'm sure it's hard not to grab the halter & just lead them. I know the restrictions are rough but it will make things go quicker if he behaves himself. I was never one to do that & it has caused more complications down the road.
OH B might have some good ideas too since he is a RN & has also gone through some really nasty surgeries too.

Best of luck & I'll add him to my prayers!!


Red

 

[Showcalves]

He really is being pretty good about not trying to do too much.  I'm guessing the pain when he tries something he shouldn't is working in my favor.  (lol)  Anyway, the first show he'll be out for was yesterday.  He was able to blow on her for about 10 minutes and then was able to fit her back legs.  He crashed and took a nap while we finished her up and while little bro showed her in the Chi division which she won.  He also helped to fit little bro's heifer's back legs and then came up to watch that.  Little bro won the crossbred division.  Had another 4-Her show the crossbred and little bro show the Chi.  She won the whole show!!!  He was happy and yet disappointed at the same time.  Happy she won, disappointed he didn't get to show her.  We got a pic of the boys and the judge with the heifer after the show.  After the heifer show he went and took another long nap.  Poor guy was absolutely exhausted!  But he did see some of the limitations he has for now.  Thanks for the suggestions and personal stories and for the prayers.  He's a really blessed young man.
Melinda

 

[red]

So glad Melinda!
BTW, we want to see the picture!

Red

 

[desertcattle]

Do what i did when i had a broke disk in my back. What i did was just wash the cattle or clean the corral. Just little stuff like that keeps us kids going, And for the trip hang on and pray.

 

[chambero]

Keep him away from the calves until healed.  End of story.  Too many things can accidently happen.  He might need to move fast and tear something lose, the calf might be playing with him and butt him accidently. etc. etc. etc.  He'll be well quick enough.  Risks don't outweigh the reward.