Tyler had preop appt yesterday

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Registered: 02-24-2004
Tyler had preop appt yesterday
6
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 12:41pm

Tyler has been really nervous about his tonsillectomy. We went to the appt yesterday, just the two of us. Dh wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home with Nathan. I totally forgot that Tyler had to have bloodwork done. I've been thinking so much about the surgery, I completely forgot about prepping him for the "needle". We went straight to the lab after the appt. I figured that it was better to get it over with, or he'd be a wreck worrying about it.

The lab had a larger chair to sit in, so I was able to sit snuggly close to him, wrap my arm around him and hold his hand. He's 9, but we're about the same size...it's kinda funny. Anyway, he shed a few tears, but he did great! He sat real still and didn't wiggle at all. There was another lab tech there who held his other hand too. They were both women and real gentle with him. When Tyler saw all of their equipment on the counter(when we first walked in there), he said, "Ok...that doesn't help!!" Then when he saw the needle, he said, "You're not putting the WHOLE needle in me, are you?" He felt relieved when we told him that it would only be the tip of the needle. But that didn't last long......the tears came pouring out the minute they stuck him.

I went a bought him a shake...I got a mocha...and I gave him the change, $2. He was happy.

In a way I was relieved that it was Tyler having the surgery, not Nathan. Nathan wouldn't really understand everything. It would be difficult explaining it to him. I've already told Nathan about Tyler's surgery. But very vaguely, and he hasn't questioned anything. Nathan will be going to school that day. I want his day to be as routine as possible. I'm not making a real big deal about the surgery to Nathan, I don't want him stressing about his brother.

michelle

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Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 1:36pm

Sounds like he did great!!! Jacob gets lots of labwork done because of all his bipolar meds. We use ELMA cream (magic cream). He feels nothing. The first few times were very hard for us. His is all anxiety. The anticipation. He would scream the whole time---until the needle went in and he realized it didn't hurt!
Now he tells them what needle to use (the baby needle---which is a "butterfly" needle), and he watches the blood go into the tube, gets the cottonball when its almost done, puts it on the place and gets the tape.

He also had his tonsils/adnoids out in May. I didn't tell him about the surgery---only causes anxiety. He started freaking out when we took him closer to the OR. My sister works at the surgery center and she said he screamed so hard--it only took him a few seconds to go out. The anethesist said he really needed them out---when he laid on his back---it closed off his airway.

Recovery was bad. He refused to drink and got dehydrated and we ended up in the ER. Whatever you do---MAKE him drink. Even if it requires him to be held down and liquids poured in. Jacob had lost 10 lbs in 5 days. After his IV fluids went in---he gained 5 lbs.

The effects of the T&A---he started sleeping in longer in the mornings. He used to get up at 6am. After surgery---7-8am.

Holly

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 2:00pm

Hi Michelle,


What a brave Tyler and Mommy!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 11:33pm

Hugs to Tyler. Good Job Buddy!

When is the surgery? Do you have someone who can take Nathan incase so you can spend the day totally focused on Tyler and not worry? Will his dad be home that day?

Sending hugs, positive vibes and loads of support your way. Spoil that boy for a couple days. He deserves it.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Sat, 12-31-2005 - 11:39am

Thanks everyone! Tyler's surgery is on Thurs, Jan 5th. He'll go back to school for only 2 days. His post op appt isn't til Jan 16th, he has to get the dr's ok to go back to school.

Dh will be home that day, thank goodness!!! Tyler is a big kid, so if he's sleepy, or just kinda out of it....I need help!!! Nathan needs to go to school, so we have to split up. Nathan and I have a morning routine that he follows. I'm going to talk to Nathan and see if it's ok if daddy does the morning routine, and see if he's ok with it. Then dh can meet me at the hospital after taking Nathan to school. Tyler really wants me to be there the WHOLE time. Mommy is different than daddy. And I know Tyler is going to be a nervous wreck worrying about everything....so I think it's best if I'm there with him. Dh thinks I'm going to be a nervous wreck too, so he agrees that I should be the one to take Tyler to the hospital!

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Sat, 12-31-2005 - 11:49am

(((((Tyler)))))))

I have a big ol' soft spot for you, so I will be thinking of you on the 5th. Poor guy!

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2005
Sun, 01-01-2006 - 1:26am
Michelle,
Good luck to Tyler on the 5th and I'll be thinking of you also! My DH had this same surgery when he was 27 but I swear he might as well have been a 2 year old if you catch my drift.(LOL)
MEN!
Teresa