Showing posts with label surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surgery. Show all posts

Monday, August 10, 2009

breathing lessons.


Mid-July Brett underwent a little procedure. Actually two of them, and they weren't so little. After years of experiencing uncomfortable congestion and even some difficulty breathing, he finally paid a visit to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doc, who informed him his tonsils could win awards for their gargantuan size, and that his nose had a septum that was a bit off track (deviating, you see). Being hit with this double-whammy made him a bit nervous, but thankfully the surgeries went well and we're happy to say he has felt a change. His airways are clearer and who doesn't love a little more O2? Fortunately, his pain level wasn't too high, although having surgery on your nose and having it stuffed tightly with packing is extra-terrible when combined with a tonsillectomy. You can't breathe through your nose, but it hurts to breathe through your mouth. Too bad breathing through our ears wasn't an option. Within a week, however, he felt more like his old self and I think also started feeling glad he'd had the operation (up to that point, that little tidbit was definitely in question). I have to say, I've always felt unnerved any time I've seen a loved one in the recovery room after a surgery. They look so helpless and feeble. My heart swelled with love as I sat with him, waiting for his oxygen levels to get to a point where he could be safely discharged. Here is this man that I love, laying on a table, struggling to overcome the anesthesia that had been administered to him. I knew from the positive reports I'd recieved from the doctor and nurses that all had gone well, and that I really had nothing to be concerned about. But how do you not worry? He truly is my best friend, the love of my life. And as much as he and I joked about how silly it was for him to be nervous for the day of the surgery to arrive, deep down I think I was nervous enough for both of us! Now we're both pleased to have it behind us. Thanks to the operation, we can easily take in a deep breath as we sigh with relief.

Hope Sig1

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

tonsils, anyone?

Yesterday Wyatt had his tonsils and adenoids removed. This was all for a good purpose (better breathing, which hopefully will lead to better sleeping), but of course it's a rough time for our little man. His "tonsil experience" started out on a real positive note, however, as his sweet preschool teacher gave him a very generous gift. Ms. Amy, worried about Wyatt in the most thoughtful & loving way, thought he would enjoy making a little friend to take with him to the surgical center. So Monday afternoon we headed off to the store with his "Build-A-Bear Credit Card" (as he called it).
Here he is stuffing his grizzly bear.
Wishing on bear's heart...make a wish, make a wish...
Giving bear his wish-filled heart.
Scrubbing him clean, clean, clean!
Carson had to get in on the scrubbing action, too... His little dino sparkled by the time he was finished!
Wyatt sure had a hard time picking out which outfit he wanted. It was a tough selection...the missionary? Batman? Spiderman? Go Utes? Nope...in the end he knew exactly what his bear should be: a FIRE FIGHTER!
And here he is: FIREFIGHTER CHARLIE!

Thanks, Amy...you're loved as much as your gift was...and it definitely helped him be brave!
At the surgical center, Wyatt charmed the pants off the nurses. He was in a very silly mood . So funny 'n cute! I'd been letting him wear our dinosaur nebulizer mask to get him used to the one the anesthesiologist would use. I'm so glad we did that! It really helped him be prepared and the anesthesiologist said he didn't cry or act upset one bit. In fact, he grabbed the "gas" mask to help put it on. Here he is below reading his "Curious George Goes To The Hospital" book to his nurse.

Is there anything worse than seeing your child under anesthesia? I just hate it...I lay in bed with him and held his hand, and it was difficult not to get emotional. Of course, when he woke up he was very upset and distraught. Confused about his surroundings and feeling miserable, I could only hold him--if only mothers could absorb their children's pain!
Once we got home, cuddled up in a blanket with some apple juice, he seemed to relax and feel a little better. Last night was a rough night, and Wyatt's having a hard time adjusting to the idea that for a week or so he can't eat some of the yummy foods his siblings are eating, but other than that, I think he's doing okay. The surgery went well and we're expecting an uneventful and complete recovery. What a champ!


"The democracy will cease to exist when you TAKE AWAY from those who are willing to work AND GIVE to those who would not."



Thomas Jefferson