Well, now it is official. 3 out of 3 of our kids have had childhood surgeries; as parents we’ve now gone through operations with each of our kids. Nobody wants to have their child go through any surgery ever. But as far as surgeries go, we’ve had it easy. At age 1 Kyle had surgery to have his adenoids taken out and ear tubes put in; at age 3 Owen had surgery to repair his herniated umbilical; and now Meera, at age almost 3, had ear tube surgery yesterday. Granted, all three surgeries with general anesthesia, but—also— all outpatient, all simple procedures, all relatively quick recovery times, and all went off without a hitch. We figure we’re doing real good here and we thank our lucky stars for it. Each time we’ve gone through a surgery with one of our kids we’ve spent days and days post-op just marveling at how lucky we are to have good health insurance, access to excellent medical care, doctors who are our region’s best-of-the-best within their specialties (and a family practitioner who makes sure we get the very best), and kids who are – by all measures – extremely healthy. We are blessed beyond belief and we don’t forget it.
Meera’s ear tube surgery went great! She did wonderfully every step of the way. Even the 6:30 a.m. hospital check-in didn’t phase her (we were first on the surgery schedule with an 8am operation). There were a couple of hours there, right after she came-to in the recovery room, when it was touch-and-go (she was crying inconsolably, very disoriented, and very mad that we had “left her” – i.e., parents are not allowed in the Operating Room, obviously, and she was perturbed about that.) Anyway, she bounced back quickly after the nurses jumped on the chance to fulfill her requested/demanded “warm milk in a sippy cup” (the nurses all doted on her like you would not believe). We were home by lunchtime, grateful to MorMor who made the trip to be with us so that she could get the boys off to school and hold down the fort. Her being here allowed both Braydon and I the peace of mind to comfortably be at the hospital with Meera. Thank you MorMor.
Tonight Meera had her first bath with ear plugs. These ear plugs will be the bane of our existence for the next 12 months as we do our best to follow our doctor’s orders and keep her ears dry. We were vigilant about it with Kyle when he had ear tubes, and it seemed to contribute to his near-perfect health record ever since. So, we’re determined to do the same for Meera. Man, though, it is such a pain in the rump. Everyone who’s been through this knows what I mean— just a real annoyance for both child and parents. Anyhooooo…. it is the least of our concerns at this point, and Meera was very cooperative (and even excited— we’ll see how long that lasts) about wearing the ear plugs for the first time tonight.
All is good.
Glad that the op went well. I remember when I was 5 I had to have an eye operation to rectify my squint. I remember being sleepy and hungry in the early early morning and being scared in the Operating Room, my mum was allowed in so she sang me “Ba Ba Black Sheep” while I went under the anaesthesia. I don’t remember waking up but according to my parents I screamed bloody murder as I got wheeled out. Then I remember hating the IV drip in my hand and holding my toy clown. I can’t imagine how my parents felt through that. Wishing Meera a speedy recovery and you all the best too.
– Kate
so glad everything went well with Ms M’s surgery!
So glad it all went well, I worked 5 years in a children’s hospital, it’s always great to see kids go home safe and sound. I’ve had 3 surgeries but all in adult life and they’re scary for adults, let alone kids!
Poor Meera! Richelor had his umbilical hernia repaired at 4, and we have an ENT appt to see if Evander needs his adenoids out (thinking not). I think it hurts us more than the kids. It is SO hard to see them sick. Glad it all went well.