Need advice Re: Broken Bone

[madis81]

My 2.5 year-old DD broke her pinky finger last night. Her finger had 2 90 degree angles in it when my DH took her to the ER. It was a severe break, but I wasn't there to see the x-rays or to hear what the Dr. said, and my DH was trying to listen to the Dr. with a screaming toddler and an upset child. My DD is suppose to be wearing a splint until our follow-up with the orthopedic specialist on Monday, but she won't wear it. She downright refuses to let us put it on her. Does anyone have any idea as to how to convince her to wear it? I'm concerned that her finger will heal crooked.

[Marnica]

Can you attach wearing the splint to a reward....or something you know she wants??? I know that's not the best way to get kids to do what you want, but in this situation, I would resort to bribery!!

[madis81]

We have resorted to bribery and it FAILED! We did discover that it was painful (duh!) for her to take it on and off, so for the first couple of days we made sure that she took her prescribed pain killer. Now that it's a little better and it's not as painful I don't want to give that to her. It's a narcotic, and I don't want my little girl addicted. We had a follow-up today and the Dr. isn't to worried about her not wearing the splint. His focus is on what to do about the cartilage that is out of place. He's researching some old cases with similar circumstances to determine the plan of action. It's either surgery or, since she is so young, see if it will heal on it's own.

[Marnica]

well...I hope she doesn't need surgery!! Hope she can heal up by herself quickly

[SquishyKitty]

Please don't withhold painkillers if they are helping her. Maybe not the whole dose, but at least something. Broken bones, even just a finger, hurts.

[gurumama]

Your child can't become addicted to a narcotic if the pain is acute (short term); narcotics addiction develops over time for people with long-term pain management issues.

She also won't become addicted with a responsible adult (you) administering the dosages as prescribed. Narcotics act to neutralize pain in extreme cases.

She'd likely wear the split and heal better if she's not in pain. I wouldn't deny a child prescribed pain medication.