Let’s start with the village idiot, shall we? She would be the one who gave me the wrong date for my son’s surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids. No biggie. It’s just surgery and he only has a twin brother who needs to be cared for during that time and I only had to scramble to get one fitness class covered, groceries picked-up, blogs written and bags packed. Not to worry idiot girl, only seven people in my “village” have been inconvenienced by your colossal screw-up. As long as you’re not put out, don’t worry about it. Really. To use a line from my friend at I Like Beer and Babies – you are a douche canoe.
This pretzel is slightly smaller then one of my tonsils.
Unfortunately, my sons have their mother’s tonsils. They are enormous and get in the way of ear draining and other little things like sleeping. The boy’s snoring can wake the dead and they actually stop breathing for short periods during the night before they can catch their breath again. Obviously this is disruptive to sleep and although they have not been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea, I know they have it. How do I know? Because I had it , and when I was about seven, I had the same surgery Miles is about to undergo. Tonsils and adenoids out, tubes in. Vaughn may or may not be next. I have to take this one twin at a time.
I clearly remember my surgery because it was traumatically horrible. Waking up from the anesthesia and not immediately seeing my mother brought me to tears and when I tried to scream, I threw-up blood. Wow, there’s a lot of vomit talk on this site lately. Anyway, my slightly older brother was then snuck into the hospital to see me, probably because he was desperate for my company… or he just wanted to play around with the hospital bed. While doing so, he accidentally hit the nurse call button and was immediately ejected with my dad. Busted.
Hopefully, Miles’ stint will be a lot less memorable in that he will probably have no memory of it whatsoever. I hope that also works for some of the parenting I’ve done thus far. I don’t think they start remembering meltdowns, errors in judgement serious discipline until age five or six. I’m going to cling to that.
Poor Miles has been in every walk-in care clinic in the tri-state area for ear infections in the past year and half. New York during my infamous mommy meltdown? Yep. Disney World in Florida? Almost. Vermont ski weekend? Yep. Bethany Beach summer vacation? Hells yeah. So you see, this day has been a long time coming. Either that kid hates vacation or he needs tubes to help his ears drain.
Just one of many walk-in clinics we’ve been to. This one happened to be in NY over the summer.
The ultimate was this past May when he was hospitalized for three full days because of an ear, sinus and throat infection that started as an ear infection and culminated in him throwing up blood (here we go again!) at 3am and me then rushing him to the emergency room. Worst.night.ever.
Am I feeling a little vulnerable about all this? Absolutely. I actually burst into tears at the gym telling a good friend of mine the whole story. Moving the surgery up a day was the last straw and no amount of running (of which there was plenty!) was going to help me wrap my head around the fact that my baby will be in surgery. I know it’s a surgery that is performed millions of times over and shouldn’t be that big of a deal but it is because it’s my son.
Part of my fear is that I really don’t know what to expect. I know that I’ll be sitting in the hospital for the day and possibly spending the night with my second born (by 1 minute) son who is only 4 1/2.
I’m hoping this smile won’t disappear for too long.
It’s funny that being so strong on the outside is doing nothing for me on the inside.
***Update: The surgery went very well and we did end up spending the night. Post-surgery post coming soon. HA!***
Any experienced moms out there with kids having this surgery? What’s the worst thing about hospitals besides the food? When was the last time you or your child had to be there?
I went through a similar situation with my daughter’s labs, the receptionist called early to tell me that I had to come in immediately for results. The results that we were not in yet. I would think someone who’s job deals with people’s health would be more alert and compassionate. I’ve only had tubes done for my son and tubes and adenoids done for my daughter–both at a little over a year old. It looks like my son may need his tonsils out but I am still resisting. I am glad that the surgery went well and hope for a speedy recovery for him.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one this sort of annoying thing happens too!
Thanks very much and good luck with your son. It’s not a fun surgery at all but at least they’re so young that they probably will not remember it AND the benefits outweigh the pain. At least for me.
Oh, he just looks so tiny and little sitting on that exam table. He is the cutest little thing EVER.
I was having total anxiety thinking of your baby in surgery…and then I saw your asterisk that it’s over and he did well!! That’s my favorite kind of announcement. My anxiety was immediately overtaken by relief. WHEW. Thank you for that.
I can’t wait to hear the whole story, but for now I’ll be thankful that it all went well. (although I hope it wasn’t a traumatic thing that kept him overnight or anything) Here’s for hoping for wonderful sleep filled nights in the future and no frequent trips to clinic for infections!! –Lisa
Thank you so much Lisa. I definitely didn’t want to leave anyone hanging on that! I was originally going to post this on Friday but things were just too crazy, so I was able to add the update. He’s doing better but the night in the hospital was rough. They were worried about his breathing which is odd since he’s breathing sooooo much better now. A few more days and he should be back to his old self! I’m certainly NOT looking forward to doing this all over again.
My baby had open heart surgery at 3 months old. No matter the surgery or age of the kid it’s.so.stressful. I recommend lots of peanut m&m’s and lots of running. We stayed for 10 days so I brought my running stuff and got out every morning.
Wow! I cannot imagine that!! I would absolutely need my running shoes if I were there for that long. Luckily, this time, it was just an overnight. I hope you and your baby are doing well these days. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Ahhh…the village idiot!!! OMG!! I can not even imagine the stress. Glad to hear Miles’ surgery went well and he is on the road to recovery 🙂
Thanks Marisa!! There’s one in every village…:-)
Oh no!! I hope he is doing ok and that you guys are too. Please let me know if you need anything… I am just down the street and ALWAYS home! 🙂
Thanks so much Mary! We’re home and he’s doing much better. I may need an emergency glass of wine…or two or three.
Glad the surgery went well. Hopefully it will be worth it in the long run.
It’s already worth it. He’s sleeping better and able to breathe. If we can add zero ear infections to that? Totally worth it. Thank you!!
Wow! I’m glad in the end everything went well. I totally understand your situation. My youngest at 2 was diagnosed with ITP. In a nutshell it is an autoimmune disease that kills off most of your platelets. To come to the autoimmune diagnosis they had to check his bone marrow to make sure the problem wasn’t with that. I had to take him in to surgery at 2 years old so they can drill into his hip bone to extract the marrow to test. Worst day ever! Surgery went well but he was in pain and I felt helpless to do anything about it except just comfort him. So yes, I get it.
Oh Kris! I can’t even image that. I’m so sorry you had to go through it. One good thing was that Miles is at least old enough to communicate with me to tell me what and WHY it hurts – not so much with a 2 year-old. I’m happy to hear the surgery went well and I’m sure it was worth it but you earned your mom stripes that day. Just awful.
I’m so glad the surgery went well. I can’t even imagine what you were going through during surgery. My little one had to go in for chest x-rays recently to confirm pneumonia and that was enough to freak me out. And seriously? That lady is a douche canoe!
X-rays are no picnic. I’ve already had my share of those with the boys – once when Vaughn was only 10 months old!
Don’t you just love that phrase? It so adequately expresses how I feel about her!!
Thanks Nicole and congrats again on running an amazing marathon!! I hope you’re resting up:-)
My sister got her tonsils out when she was 21! She used to get strep a lot and got mono so they decided to go for it. She’s been healthy since. She didn’t throw up blood but she did throw up the painkillers at home!! And I’m so relieved to hear that it went well.
My kids have both been in hospitals. Scarlet had to be put under for stitches on her cheek because she was too young then to be awake for it. Fun times! Then she had to be put under to have them removed.
Des had six days in the NICU. Small potatoes, I know, but hospitals are hospitals.
That is NOT small potatoes at all! Hospitals are the worst – even when they’re children oriented and there’s great nurses – it’s just a horrible place for kids.
I cannot believe your sister had the surgery at 21! One of the nurses was telling me that a 40 year-old had it done and the recovery is so much worse. I can’t imagine!
Let’s all stay healthy, shall we??
Thanks Tamara!
Im glad the surgery went well and you spent the night! My daughter (5) had the same surgery 10 days ago. Today was the first day she got to go back to school. She was beside herself excited.
There were 2 difficult parts that we went through. The actual surgery was stressful for us because of the anxiety you feel when your child is in surgery. The first night was difficult because my daughter had a side effect of her airway would start to close off. Thankfully, my husband is in medicine and knew how to handle everything! Lots of ice water & cold air! I wish we would have stayed in the hospital the first night.
My best advice is keep them on tylenol as long as they need it. My daughter was on tylenol around the clock for a week. It helped take the edge off. The more ice water & popsicles the better. We bribed eating and drinking with everything possible! We saw lots of progress in the first few days, then it seemed to stagnate between days 4-8. Day 9 we saw huge improvements and actually went off tylenol all together.
Things we learned from the surgery and recovery process: we are so thankful for our childrens health. I couldn’t imagine going through a more intense procedure or anything that lasts more than a week! Remember, this too shall pass and everyone will be healthier.
We are in the same boat as well with child #2, it is likely he will need the procedure in a year or so. So here is to praying our second children grow into their ginormous tonsils so we only have to do this once!
Obviously we are living parallel lives! OMG this is crazy. Thank you so much for giving me a heads-up about the progress. He’s doing well (even ate two big bowls of pasta yesterday) but then he goes through rough periods at night when I’m not regulating his medicine. I don’t want to wake him up to give it to him but when he wakes up on his own, he’s in a lot of pain. I’m hoping he can go back to school next week – we shall see.
I absolutely agree with being so thankful we were only there for a “simple” surgery. I don’t know how a mother survives in there day after day seeing her baby sick and in pain. I give them all so much credit and it makes everyday problems seem so trivial. Perspective.
Keep in touch with child #2! I hope all goes well and thank you again so much for all the info!!
OMFG WHAT A NIN-COM-POOP! That surgery scheduler should be FIRED! What in the BLEEP!!!!
When I was younger I was always scared that I’d have to get my tonsils out. Never did, however I feel like I should because I am constantly hacking as if I were a smoker, and I have problems taking deep breaths. Maybe that’s just asthma, even though I have NEVER been diagnosed with Asthma and I have had more endoscopys than anyone I know. LOL.
To be honest though, when I had my stomach/intestinal surgery (whoops, gave away one of my game answers, lol) I actually loved the hospital because it was an escape from reality and the nurses were doing stuff for me. I didn’t have to do anything for 5 days, lol! It could have been 12 – the typical turn around rate, but I got so bored after 5 days that I begged my doctor to let me go, and since my mom is a doctor, he released me to her! ha!
YES – I knew that one was true!…now to find out if I’m right about the snowboarding!!
Of course you’re a fast healer – you eat so well. It’s that “all celebrity” diet that got you out of the hospital in half the time:-)
He is adorable. And hmmm…did you read how well I did with my kiddo in the hospital in The Mother of all Meltdowns…not too good. And he didn’t even have surgery. My firstborn did though when he was a toddler after he cut his thumb down to practically the nerves on the attic fan…I was a complete mess then but he came through with flying colors. It is scary being in the hospital with your little ones!
How could I ever forget your meltdown story? It was awful!! SO much worse then what I went through. I’m not sure how you survived. AND a thumb almost cut off? I’m starting to feel very lucky!! HA HA!
Oh no! I’m so sorry not only that Miles has to have surgery but that stupid douche canoe gave you the wrong information! How hard is it to get the day right!? I’m so glad that it went well and I hope that he will be feeling much better once he has recovered.
Thanks Britt! The DC called me to reschedule the surgery and then, when they called to do the intake a few days before, they referred to the original date. I was so confused. The DC said she called back to let me know that the date was changed back to the original which was a huge LIE!!!!
Anywhooo – he’s home and recovering nicely so it all worked out. See all the fun you have to look forward to when you become a mom?
So glad to hear the surgery went well! My son was in the hospital at six weeks for a fever, and then was accidentally overdosed on Tylenol by the staff. His two night stay turned into 5 or 6 while they gave him the anecdote. Lesson learned: always ask if the medication is correct!
That is my biggest fear! I cannot believe that happened to you and your son. You must have flipped!! They were super cautious with all the medication – checking and rechecking the number on his bracelet and asking me his name and birthdate about 1,000 times. I’m ok with all of that if it prevents what you went through! Awful.
I am stealing douche canoe pronto!!
BTW, we share yet another commonality – I, too, had my tonsils and addenoids out when I was five. I was also the tubes Queen (twice). My child has also been sick on nearly every vacation we’ve ever been on and numerous flights have been canceled or changed due to illness (trip insurance is now a given when we book a trip).
I’m so sorry that the Douche Canoe was on the water for you. Glad to hear that all went well though with surgery.
Thank you for giving me a chuckle and yet, another bonding point with you! xo
Love the “DC” – so appropriate in so many situations and sadly applicable to so many.
I can’t say I’m surprised that we share yet another detail in our lives. It’s truly amazing we haven’t met until now seeing as we’re so connected!! Thanks Melissa xoxo
Ugh – I’m sorry that I’m so late in reading today!! I hope that y’all have as good a night as you can in the hospital. Sorry that you had to deal with an idiot who couldn’t get the day correct but glad the surgery is over and done with now. I hope there hasn’t been any more bloody vomit (by anyone!).
I would not cope well with all of that so hopefully you are doing OK!!!
When you get home tomorrow – ice cream and stuff for the little sweetie and maybe just a bit of wine for you!!!
You’re not late – the party is just getting started!…and with no more vomit, bloody or otherwise.
He’s doing a lot better but still in so much pain the poor guy. A few more days and this too shall pass. And yes, there has been wine! Thanks Kim!
Oh hugs to you but glad to hear the surgery went well in the post script. My son had to have tubes in his ears (twice) and you would have thought I was like Marie Antoinette marching myself and my family to execution I was so bad at keeping my cool (by the way, did she do that? did I make that up?). Can’t wait to read how it all went.
I have no idea if she did but it sounds good so we’ll go with it! It was pretty bad so I don’t blame you. The only time you want to see your child in the hospital is when they’re born. Thanks Allison!
Oh he is such a peanut. It is so stressful trying to keep it straight and being on top of the planning.
So true! It really is crazy how much planning needed to go into one day of surgery. I’m so unbelievably lucky to have the family and friends I do. They sprung into action! Without them, I could not be the parent I am.
Poor guy and poor you!! That is pretty douchey but I’m glad that surgery went well. I actually thought I was going to have to get my tonsils out last year. I had this insane infection. Of course it was right before we were supposed to take the boys to Disney World and I just kept telling the doctor that I didn’t care what they had to do but I HAD to go to Disney World no matter what. Thankfully, no surgery was needed – I just spent a full day in the ER until they finally drained the damn thing. Oy! Rest up and hope everyone recovers soon!
Oh Christine! That is awful. I don’t blame you for doing whatever it took to get to Disney. WAY too much planning goes into that!! It’s funny, I’ve now heard several stories of adults having their tonsils out. I didn’t know they did that? Apparently they do, and it’s really painful so consider yourself lucky…plus, you got to go to the happiest place on earth. Bonus!
Glad to know it went well. No matter how routine, surgery is always nerve wrecking. That rescheduling issue would annoyed me to no end…ESPECIALLY for the kiddo! Your boys are so energetic, I bet he didn’t have a fearful thought in his mind!
You are RIGHT ON about Miles. He was bouncing all over that hospital like he didn’t have a care in the world. It only got real for him when we walked into the OR (yes, I got to go with him) and then, like a dog, he knew something bad was about to happen. Poor kid. He was insanely brave and I’m so proud of him. Thanks Joi!
I hear that surgery is no joke! At least he’s a just a little one and won’t have to suffer too much…hopefully. Here’s hoping for a smooth, ice cream filled recovery.
Thank you so much. There was definitely suffering but a much better recovery then an adult I’m sure. There’s also been a ton of ice cream involved!
Oh, that’s tough! I’m glad to hear the surgery went well. Our 2yo (8 years ago) had to have surgery and as he rode that little car into the operating room I thought I was going to lose it. Very scary, I totally get it. (that hospital had a bunch of those battery operated cars that kids could drive, very cool for the kids – me hanging off the bumper crying – not so cool!)
OMG same *exact* thing! He was so excited to drive that Escalade, right up until he pulled into the OR. That’s pretty much when we both lost it…of course I did a better job of hiding it, at least until he was out.
My younger son went through the sme thing, tonsils, adenoids, tubes and sinuses drained. I was terrified when they took him off to surgery and from the time he came back into his room until he left the next day I didn’t leave his side. Most of the time I sat in a chair by the bed with him in my arms, it broke my heart.
And this kid does not do pain well. I swear it took him years to forgive me and trust me again. Even though he thoroughly enjoyed the days following the surgery which were full of visitors and ice cream and gifts.
I hope your son heals quickly and is himself again soon.
Oh the poor thing!…and poor YOU! It was definitely tough on me (of course worse for him) but I spent most of my time IN bed with him. He wanted me to rub his back though out the night, and of course, I had too! Good thing I have strong arms – ugh!
You know I totally read this yesterday morning but for some reason I didn’t comment? I blame it on mondays. Anywho I am happy to read the update and so glad to hear everything went well. I had (have) super large tonsils as well, but just large enough that I didn’t require surgery. Hopefully once those tonsils are gone, all those issues will cease!
It’s definitely a Monday thing! So glad you didn’t have to have the surgery – it’s a pretty bad one:-( He’s doing better everyday, though. Thanks Nellie!
I’m so sorry you had to go through this but hopefully this will keep Miles from being sick all the time. I’ve personally had over 40 surgeries but I’ve only had one child who’s had to have a surgery. That was my oldest because she was born with hip dysplasia. She was only six months when she had her surgery. I was okay with the surgery given my history but I was not prepared to have an unconscious baby to hold. Kind of freaked me out! I’m glad that things went well for your little guy. I’m sure no one will miss trips to the emergency clinics.
That’s awful Carla. I’m really sorry to hear that.
Six months is a very tough age for both mom and baby. At least with Miles, the communication was pretty good and I could help to somewhat prepare him beforehand and then soothe him afterward.
The surgery was already a success as he’s not snoring at all anymore. Let’s hope there’s no more infections as well. Time will tell.
Thanks for sharing!
Awww look at him! Big hugs for you both. So glad to hear his surgery went well. I hope he will continues to get better. Surgery is no joke no matter how big or small especially when it is for our kids.
So true! Thanks very much. He’s getting better everyday!
Thanks for linking up! I can’t even begin to imagine my baby in surgery!! Love the comment- not all the running in the world could help me!
It was difficult for sure but it helped tremendously so it was all worth it.
Thank you!