Luckily CJ's first surgery was very minor. Last Tuesday he got ear tubes. I confess, I wasn't too worried. I really like his doctor, and I trusted his opinion. We figured out about a month ago that since April, his ears have been so clogged that his ear drums weren't vibrating at all. Since I wanted my baby to be able to hear, all the risk that happens very, very, very, very rarely was worth it.
He did great; he's such a champ. And my mom came to make sure I was ok. :) She is so wonderful. She brought CJ a busy bag for the day of his surgery. We have come to the realization that CJ loves things that aren't toys...so she filled it with a tape measure, flashlight, stretchy key ring, a bottle with clothes pins in it and lots of other fun things. He had a blast with it and didn't fuss all morning. We had to be there VERY early because he was the first surgery of the day, and I was a little worried that the combination of being awakened at 5:30 and not being given anything to eat or drink might spell disaster, but I think the bag was the answer.
I know it's gross, but here we are playing on the hospital floor while they were waiting to check us in. Once CJ plopped down, I figured, he's already there...what's the harm now. And check out my growing belly...yikes!
And then we finally got a room, and we continued playing with all the treasures from the bag until they came to get CJ to go to surgery.
Then it was time for CJ and mommy to go back to the pre-op/recovery area. CJ put on his gown and was sweet to the orderly who wheeled us down the hall. He talked to him and waved at the people we passed.
Once we got to the pre-op area, the doctor, his assistant, the anesthetist, his assistant, the pre-op nurse, the operating nurse and the discharge nurse all crowded around CJ's bed. I wondered if all the people in hats and masks would freak him out, but he just sat and listened and talked to them. Then, when it was time for him to go back, the anesthetist asked CJ, "Can I hold you?" and held out his hands. CJ gave the two clap sign of approval and held out his hands to him. He put his head on his shoulder and hugged him all the way to the operating room. CJ being gone was the longest 10 minutes, but I tried to remain calm. When he woke up and I wasn't there, he got upset. But, when I got back to the post-op area the same man was holding him, and he was upset, but not at fever pitch. The moment he saw me, he stopped crying, and I felt much better. We waited a while to make sure he was ok, but we were still in our car, headed home, by 8:00.
I thought he would come home and crash, but he played and played. He was a little out of sorts for a few days, but the doctor said that was just the effects and after effects of the anesthesia. He is back to his happy, busy self now and talking a LOT more.
One thing I am very thankful for in this whole process of ear infections, is his willingness to take medicine. I was not the same way, and that's putting it midly. I still remember my mom sitting on me while me dad held my hands to get medicine in me! You just show it to CJ, he opens up like a little bird, swallows it and will sometimes even ask for more.
I am also VERY thankful that my little man is ok and shouldn't have any more ear problems. I am thankful for the wonderful staff who put me at ease. I am thankful my mom had enough insight to come take care of me. I am thankful that while Scott is deployed he doesn't have to worry about how we will take care of things like this because we have great insurance and wonderful family and friends that take care of us. So in the end, even though surgery is never fun, we are much better off in the long run.
