The Surgery

We went back and forth on the decision for a tonsillectomy (at least I did). It was scheduled twice and cancelled twice before we felt it was truly needed for our 4-year-old. His tonsils were huge and he snored. We prepped him the week before. He really enjoyed his book given by the ENT's office.

Bought lots of popsicles, mashed potatoes, pudding, jello, etc. A trip to Build-a-Bear was warranted for a new friend to be by his side during the procedure. He chose a golden retriever who is now named Puppy Paws. Puppy Paws needed a Darth Vader outfit, along with a Batman costume.

Thank goodness DrH took the day off from clinic to be with us.

We were scheduled at 10:30 but that really meant 11:30! Our pastor came by for prayer. Goofy juice down and gowned up, my baby went out of sight.

I thought it would have been harder for me and my mama heart, but he had done so well about it and we were very pleased with our surgeon. In the recovery room, he gave a few cries but handled it like a big boy.

That evening, he was ready to eat anything (must have still been numb from the anesthesia!). He ate pizza, a burrito, and cookies - all foods we thought were on the No Eat list. We were told, however, to give him what he asked for. He needed the protein for his recovery period. The first two nights were bad, though. He slept with us and woke up crying from pain. He threw up both nights, scary when it was tinged with blood. He also came down with some respiratory illness. He wheezed and could not breathe well. We ended up talking with the on-call doctor who did not seem to be concerned. I knew something was wrong though; I know my son and this was not normal. Day 4 he spiked a fever and continued through Day 7. That day we went in to see his pediatrician because I had the suspicion that he had an ear infection. He was miserable. By this point he didn't want to eat anything; he said everything tasted bad. Still couldn't breathe well and coughed. Holding his ear and crying. What else!? He definitely had an ear infection.

So glad I took him so we could start getting him some relief. Day 14, and it seems we have our boy back. Scabs are gone and he eats normally again. No pain meds, antibiotics done. Really, the throat stuff went well, it was all the secondary junk that was the worst. He's adjusting to his new "voice". A little nasally, with all that new space where once had been obstructed. I hope we did the right thing. I guess time will tell. This was quite the experience that so many go through. Gosh, I really hope this is the one time for us!