We've Been to Texas Children's and Back

Monday was our big day at Texas Children's hospital.   We've been waiting six weeks for my son's tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.   The short story is some time last fall my son had a cold.   We noticed that he stopped breathing in his sleep.  He also snores louder than most grown men, especially when he is sick.   I made a note to talk to the pediatrician the next time we were in to see her.   She looked in his mouth at the next appointment and said that his tonsils seemed abnormally large.  He also has a history of frequent ear infections.  She sent us off to a Pediatric ENT that she felt was conservative.   While waiting for the appointment, we heard more instances of sleep apnea, which are terrifying.  We saw the ENT in early February.   He agreed the tonsils and adenoids needed to go.  There was a six week wait for an OR at Texas Children's, but it was the only hospital that our insurance allowed us to use.

On Monday, we went to the hospital.  One perk of day surgery at TCH is complimentary valet parking.  We went upstairs to a very cheery waiting room.   There were several riding toys to play with as well as other toys.  My son loved it.   For his sake, I just didn't think about how many germs were probably on those toys.   Someone came out and talked with my son about the medical equipment that he would see.   She showed him pictures of the OR.   She was really nice and wonderful.   We waited a bit longer then his stats were taken in another room.   To all the places we went, he was allowed to ride a riding toy.   He loved that.   We talked with the anesthesiologist nurse practitioner about the surgery.   Then were given Texas Children's PJs and taken to a final waiting room.   We met with the ENT  and anesthesiologist in there.   While we were in the final waiting room, my son found a John Deere tractor riding toy in there.   He was already loving the experience, but that put it over the top.   My son is crazy over tractors, especially John Deere.  When he was called back for surgery he happily rode his tractor down the hall.  

Jason and I went back out to wait.   After about 40 minutes, they called us back to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit.   When we got there, my son was still asleep.  It took him about 30 minutes to come around.   His nurse was really nice, very gentle, and patient with us and him.   In fact, she took care of me for a few minutes.   I have a needle phobia, which I have been trying to get over for years.   I had a bad experience with an IV when I was about 4.  My phobia is getting a lot better, but seeing my son I had a really hard time.   I felt woozy a few times and sat down.   The third time she asked me if I was feeling ok.   I admitted that I wasn't and asked if I had turned white.  She got me some juice and peanut butter and that helped a lot.  I was irritated at myself for now being able to hold it together.   I have to remind myself I have come a long way.  I can take a flu shot without laying down now and I can give a blood sample without vomiting and passing out.  While my son was coming around the anesthesiologist came by and checked on him again.   We were in recovery two hours.

He slept most of the first day after the surgery.   The second day he bounced off the walls.  The second night was rough.   He does not like the taste of the Hydrocodone, so it is hard to get him to take it.  The third day he was quieter and kept telling me he felt better.   He is ok if his pain medications are current.  When it starts to wear off, he gets uncomfortable.   Waking him up is the worst because this throat and mouth are dry and typically the pain medicine has worn off.  He is eating lots of chocolate frozen yogurt, jello, mac n cheese and pasta salad.   Yesterday, I took him off the Hydrocodone and switched to Tylenol.   He is calmer on the Tylenol and able to nap in the afternoon.   Today my goal is to get more protein into him.   Every day is better.

In my mind since it was a day surgery it thought it would less traumatic.  It is a pretty major deal.  My son's recovery has not been as terrible as some I have heard about.  He has been a cooperative, sweet little patient.   Our next big milestone is somewhere between 7-10 days post surgery when the scabs finish coming off.   We also have to work back up to solid foods.  Every day is better.