Brodie had additional xrays & cat scan Friday morn. His jaw was not broken, not even fractured. However, there is a fracture below the gums that extends across the roots of the front three bottom teeth. The top two front teeth, one broken off and the other loose, also showed fracture straight across the roots. Looking at the xrays, it would seem he tried to catch the 91mph ball with his teeth! Inside of his bottom lip has many stitches as does the outside.Healing will take some time and we were told they will start with the broken one in about 2 weeks. Should be about 8-10 weeks when completed, but, he is on a liquid diet for 4 weeks. This is going to be a big factor in his returning to the field. Doctor says that he is not to put ANY pressure on his teeth for this period of time, it could damage the healing process and basically have to start all over again. As soon as he can make it through one day without prescription pain medicine (he is allowed 3 Advill to substitute)he can return to practice to see how he feels taking ground balls. At anytime when he leans over to field the ball he is to pay very close attention to how it feels. If there is even the slightest pressure anywhere in his head he is to stop and then he may try again the next day. But he must not ignore any sensations or feelings thinking he can work through it. These type injuries don't work out the pain, so Brodie please listen to your body & follow these instructions without fail. It may take several days of attempting to practice before you make it through the full practice. But once he does, he may play in the very next game. This decision is totally up to him and he admits that he is a bit concerned on how he will react. The first time this happened & when it was time for him to step in batter's box he was nervous and his legs were shaking uncontrollably but he never flinched or backed out. He didnt get a hit but did pop one up to pitcher. But he felt great and he never looked back. This time he is concerned & admits to some fear. But he wont know until he can try and that is the one thing he has no doubt about, he will be out there again to try & I am willing to bet he will succeed. This kid loves the game, it is the only thing he has ever wanted to do since he learned to walk! When not playing, he is watching it. Conversations over meals and just hanging out are about baseball. Fan support is and always has been his biggest motivator, he thrives on it. So keep him in your thoughts and prayers & as soon as he is able he will be back to do the best he can for the team and school he says is the best thing that ever happened to him. Good luck Brodie, we want and need to see you playing again!!
[This message has been edited by 4 X 4 (edited 3/22/2009 2:58a).]
[This message has been edited by 4 X 4 (edited 3/22/2009 3:00a).]
[This message has been edited by 4 X 4 (edited 3/22/2009 2:58a).]
[This message has been edited by 4 X 4 (edited 3/22/2009 3:00a).]