Road to Recovery

Here we go again

Mason's rescheduled surgery date approached rather quickly. After some confusion over the surgery time we were told to come in at 9 am (originally 10 am). That gave us time to hang out and play with Mason a bit before his surgery. Although both my husband and myself were a bit nervous Mason didn't pick up on it. We arrived at the hospital a bit late (will save that story for another day) but were called back rather quickly. Before we were called back Mason got in a few minutes of play time.

The nurse evaluated Mason who was finally healthy and we were cleared for surgery. I was told to wipe Mason down, change his diaper and to put on his designer hospital duds (North West eat your heart out!). 

Mason was his usually happy go-lucky self. Playing with the scale and climbing on the hospital bed, chair and his stroller. The nurse gave him medication that would relax him before they gave him the anesthesia. He slowly started to calm down and was in a bit of a loopy state. My poor drunk like baby. 

After a few minutes the nurses took Mason back to the operating room.  even in his drunk like state he still cried a bit in protest when he was carried back to the waiting room. 

The Long Wait

Dr. Abzug informed us that the surgery wouldn't take long but the surgery coupled with the creation of the cast would take no less than 2 hours. My husband and I went to our usual haunts in the hospital (sad but true) and luckily (for me) the cafeteria was transitioning from breakfast to lunch so we went to a kabob  place across the hall. As we ate and talked about mundane work issues, and I sucked on some delicious Mango tea, trying to keep ourselves from thinking about Mason's surgery. We were told to come back to the waiting room around noon and decided to get some coffee and snacks (why does the Univ of Md have to have a Great Cookie stand???), and a nice get well balloon for Mason before we headed back to the waiting room.

As we sat in the waiting room time slowly ticked by. Every time the door would open we were hoping the Dr would be on the other side. Finally he appeared and he told us that the surgery went well. We were so relieved the long wait was finally over and we could exhale a bit. We asked our questions then waited for the nurse to tell us to come back to recovery.

Recovery

Finally the nurse appeared and told us to come back to recovery. When we walked into the recovery room a nurse was holding Mason while two other nurses attempted to place a heart monitor on his toe. If I wasn't so worried about Mason I would've found the situation quite comical. Three adults teamed up against sedated almost 2 year old and it looked like the 2 year old was winning, lol. At that moment I knew that Mason would be just fine. We stayed in recovery for about an hour or so until we were moved to his hospital room where we would spend the night.

It took some time for Mason to come out of the anesthesia and he was not definitely not happy. I changed his clothes and soon we were wheeled up to his room.

Overnight and the morning after

The first night was rough. My husband and I slept in recliners on each side of Mason's crib. Between Mason crying and the nurses checking on him we only got a couple hours of sleep. Mason slept on and off and would only drink water and juice. 

He didn't really use his left hand (it was covered in a net glove to protect his IV) and was definitely not trying to walk.

All of us were pretty tired the next morning. We attempted to get Mason to eat but he wasn't interested in even his favorite fruit bananas (or as he calls it "Nanas!"). We figured that his throat was just sore from the breathing tube. So we kept providing him water and juice to keep him hydrated.

The Dr's assistant came to check Mason out,watch him walk, checked his fingers, inspected his cast then we were given the prescription for Mason's medication. While my husband went to the pharmacy Mason and I went to the playroom. Mason was finally interested in playing with the toys but still wouldn't walk for me. He just whined in protest when I attempted to make him use his legs .

Homeward Bound

Finally we were cleared to go home. My husband got the car and we were so happy to go. We were hoping that Mason would get back to normal in familiar surroundings. Here is Mason on his first day home. Smiling for probably the second time since his surgery. 

It took Mason a couple of days to get back to normal. He finally started eating again 3 days after surgery. The 2nd night was also rough but an improvement over the first night. Mason even woke up with a smile on his face!

Slowly but surely Mason was back to his normal self. He was climbing on the couch, standing on his bicycle seat and scaring me half to death in the process. He has learned how to maneuver his casted arm and has learned to place toys under his chin to keep his left hand free. It is truly amazing how kids adjust and adapt so quickly.

Right now we are 1/2 way there. We have 2 more weeks until the cast comes off. Will keep you posted!

Surgery No Go

Nerves and anticipation

After a couple months of waiting the week of Mason's surgery approached. I suddenly went into panic mode (similar to not being packed the night prior to a trip). I wasn't prepared mentally nor physically.

I didn't have the proper shirts for Mason to wear, no pjs, no coat!  So I took a cue from Whitley Gilbert on Different World and relaxed, related and released then I got to work.

My husband and I scoured the end of season fashions at Walmart and the thrift store for over-sized long sleeved shirts. I also ordered tops and a hoodie online which I knew wouldn't make it time but figured better late than never.

The night prior to the surgery I gave my husband a honey do list and he stopped to get pj pants and Pedialyte (no milk or food past 12 am and only clear liquids up to 4 am.). Then I ran home to do laundry.

I packed Mason's bag with extra diapers, clothes and wipes for his overnight stay.

The morning after

The next morning we headed to the hospital and it I will admit I was a bit scared and nervous for Mason.

We arrived at the hospital on time and were called back relatively fast. Mason was still able to get some play time in.

Once we were summoned the nurse asked her normal questions and I mentioned that Mason was on the tail end of a cold and had a slight cough.

After the nurse asked her questions we waited for the anesthesiologist so she could ask additional questions and evaluate Mason. Meanwhile Mason received his hospital bracelet.

The anesthesiologist came in about 10 minutes and immediately zeroed in on Mason's cold. She had an all business attitude and her German accent definitely enhanced the seriousness of her tone.

She suggested using albuterol to see if it would cause Mason to cough. The nurse placed a dinosaur mask over Mason's face that he had to wear for about 10 min. Mason actually enjoyed the mask for about 5 min but it only took him that same amount of time before he started coughing.

The anesthesiologist heard Mason cough and said she thought it would be best to wait until Mason was better to proceed. 

I was relieved and disappointed since we just wanted to get the surgery over with however we completely understood and wanted to make the best decision for Mason. I was happy that the anesthesiologist also had our son's best interest in mind.

We waited to see the Dr before leaving and the nurse was able to give Mason some juice which he knocked back.

The doctor came and told us that we will try again in a few weeks when Mason is better.

Later on that day a nurse from the doctors office called and the surgery was rescheduled for early May.

So in May we will be going through the motions all over again and I'm sure I will be just as nervous.

Mason's Journey through the land of Brachial Plexus Part VI

It has been a long time since my last post. Mason is already a year and a half. He is talking more, climbing,  jumping and  having temper tantrums. 

He has been continuing with his therapy but is scheduled for surgery this April. Unfortunately while therapy has helped overall, his ball and socket is not positioned properly still limiting his movement with his right arm.

As parents we wanted to avoid surgery however we also want to do the best thing for Mason long term.

Here are some recent pics!

Mason’s Journey through the Land of Brachial Plexus Part V

Pre-game Jitters

The day had finally come after 3.5 weeks of waiting,  time for the cast removal!! The morning of the cast removal we went to a family breakfast.

After the removal we made plans to go to the National Zoo in DC with my family and my mother in law as a post cast celebration.
 

My husband and I were both excited to finally get the cast off.  Although it didn’t seem to be bothering Mason at all it was an adjustment for us. The cast made it a bit difficult to maneuver him and he definitely was a bit heavier to lug around on my hip!

After breakfast we headed over to Kernan.  I was a bit nervous since I wasn’t sure how Mason would handle the saw. He is not a fan of loud noises (cries when the blender is on,  cries when we yell while watching the Ravens play…etc) and I was sure that we were in for some healthy crying while he was getting his cast removed.  After a lengthy wait (I didn’t realize so many kids suffer from broken limbs!) we met with the nurse to check in, then we headed to another room where the magic happens.

Bye Bye Old Friend

 

Neither my husband nor I had ever broken a limb so we weren’t sure what to expect. My husband removed Mason’s shirt so the nurse could see his arm Spica cast. The nurse told us they were going to cut Mason’s cast in 4 places. 

As my husband and the nurse were talking I noticed the saw that they would be using to remove the cast.  While everyone was distracted I snuck a picture,  it looks pretty intimidating.

The nurse took the saw and explained that it just vibrates and that it wouldn’t cut the skin. He turned the saw on and put the blade against his skin and it didn’t even make a scratch. While the saw was running Mason was relaxed and the noise didn’t bother him at all which was a relief. The nurse placed a cover over Mason and my husband’s laps to catch the plaster while he was sawing.  Then the sawing began!

 

As the nurse started sawing, my previously laid back son started to whimper, and then he started to really cry. It definitely wasn’t painful since we know that the saw blade wouldn’t cut him but we think the vibration scared him. As a mom I just wanted to hold him, but unfortunately that would have to wait until the cast was removed. Instead I just stroked his cheek as he sat there looking at me with that “Why the hell are you letting them do this to me?” look on his face.

Free at last

After 10 minutes the cast was off. Sweet freedom! I immediately looked him over to see if his skin was irritated from the cast. Everything looked great.  I was so happy to hug him again. We were moved back to an examination room so the Dr. could evaluate Mason. He immediately saw improvement with his external rotation. The physical therapist also came in make benchmark his progress as well.  Now Mason will resume his occupational and physical therapy next week. We are hoping that he makes great strides!!

Mason is still not crawling yet but we are hoping that once his arm gains some more strength that he will be able to crawl around soon. Guess we better baby proof the house!

 

Mason’s Journey through the Land of Brachial Plexus Part IV

Post Op

Wake up

My husband and I were told that Mason should be ready in an hour so we headed downstairs to get some food. Before we knew it an hour had passed and we returned upstairs to the waiting room.  Dr. Abzug met us in the waiting room to tell us that the procedure was successful and Mason was doing just fine. He also explained that they were just waiting for him to wake up from the anesthesia. After he left it was about another 20 minutes before they escorted us back to Mason’s post op room.

When we walked into the room Mason was lying in his little hospital bed still knocked out from the anesthesia. He had an oxygen hose on his chest to help him breathe. My husband and I sat down and just waited for him to wake up. We were there for another half an hour before Mason started to stir. The first thing Mason did was knock that oxygen tube right off of his chest and onto the floor. Our spunky son was already at it! Here is a picture of him right after he woke up.

 

I nursed him immediately (before his alter ego could appear) and once he was done he started crying. We were really concerned although we were told that children typically wake up crying since they are a bit disoriented from the anesthesia. The nurse removed the IV from Mason’s foot and then gave him some Tylenol. We were told that his throat still be sore from the breathing tube.

After the Tylenol Mason calmed down and just observed everything. My husband had run to the car get the car seat to make sure that Mason would fit with his new hardware.

A RN helped us place Mason in the car seat to see if he would fit. It was a no go. Luckily, the Univ of Md had a program that allows patients to rent car seats for situations like ours.

We received all of our post op instructions from the nurse and I started getting Mason ready to go home, meanwhile my husband and the RN went to get the car and install our loaner car seat.  As I was dressing Mason I realized that the shirt (a size bigger than what he normally wears) that he arrived in was a no –go. The bar on the spica cast was preventing me from putting his arm through the sleeve. So I cut the shirt up one side and just placed it over his head and his left arm.  I knew that I was going to have to find shirts that worked for daycare.
 

Along with assistance from a nurse I adjusted the straps on his stroller, strapped him in, and we were on our way to the car!

Homeward bound

The ride home was short but Mason was fussy. He wasn’t screaming but was whining. The whining continued an hour or two after we arrived home.  My husband and I were stroking him, holding his hand trying to console him but he continued to whine. We were both very concerned and called Mason’s pediatrician to find out how soon we could give him another dose of Tylenol. We just assumed that he was in pain. 

We decided to hold off on the Tylenol since enough time hadn’t elapsed since his last dose, and just wait it out.  I removed his ripped tee and dressed him in one of my shirts for bed.

 

 Eventually Mason started to calm down and he fell asleep. My husband and I just kept hoping that this would pass once the anesthesia completely wore off.  The first night was hard Mason woke up a few times throughout the night; he was getting adjusted to sleeping in his cast. 

 

The Mornings After
 

Mason was slowly getting back to his normal self. He was playing but still a little fussy (we assumed it was due to a sore throat from the breathing tube).  His grandparents couldn’t wait to see him so they all came over to visit with him. He was quiet but playful. 
 

 

 

Mason still woke up that night but only one time (we were almost back to normal!).  Day Three and Four were much better Mason was playing, talking and even scooting on his belly.

 

We found some little boys shirts (size 10) that were big enough to make their way over his Spica cast. So his shirts are huge but at least we found shirts that fit!!

This experience has been a real eye opener. It’s amazing how resilient children are. Mason’s cast doesn't even phase him. He’s been amazing. He has adjusted great in daycare and has not let his cast slow him down. 

Mason's cast comes off in three weeks!!  Stay tuned for an update on his cast removal and subsequent physical therapy sessions!

Mason’s Journey through the Land of Brachial Plexus Part III

Pre-Op

Alter Ego

Well the day of reckoning finally had arrived. After postponing Mason’s April appointment for his botox procedure (due to a pesky cold!) we rescheduled for Memorial Day weekend.  While people were busy making cookout and pool plans, we were trying to figure out how to dress and cope with our son’s impediment.

Since Mason required anesthesia, he was not allowed to drink milk 4 hours prior to his procedure, and no liquids up to 2 hours before.  I woke him up at 4 am to nurse, then again at 6 am so that he could drink some juice or Pedialyte. He wasn’t feeling the juice or the Pedialyte so I was in panic mode that once we got to the hospital his hungry, and inconsolable alter ego would make an impromptu appearance.  Fortunately, luck was on our side and his alter ego was held at bay due to our son’s deep interest in the other families milling around the hospital waiting room. 

Here is a picture of us before entering the hospital. Mason had no idea what he was in for.

 

Butterflies

After we checked in we waited for the nurse to call us back so they could prep Mason and start the anesthesia.  Every time the door opened we nervously waited for the nurse to beckon the next patient. After about 45 minutes our time had arrived. We were escorted back to Mason’s temporary room.  Dr. Abzug’s assistant walked us through everything that would occur with the procedure and even Mason was paying close attention.

 

Mason was given a hospital gown and we were told to place his clothes in a bag. Next, the anesthesia Dr. and nurse explained the anesthesia process. First, Mason would receive was a rectal pre-anesthesia that would be used to relax Mason so he wasn’t anxious once he was separated from us.  This would make him feel loopy but he would still be conscious. This is a picture of Mason after the pre-anesthesia kicked in. He was loopy, smiling and even trying to babble. This is when my butterflies kicked in. Although I understood that it was necessary I didn’t like seeing my son that way.

 Next Mason would receive another type of anesthesia to put him to sleep and they would also be inserting a breathing tube since Mason would not be breathing on his own. Hold the presses, a breathing tube?  I played it cool but I was very concerned. The butterflies that were already fluttering inside my stomach had morphed into pigeons fighting for pecking order.

I just nodded at the anesthesia Dr. thinking ok this is not their first time to the rodeo and that they were experienced, highly educated people that knew what they were doing. I had to put things into perspective. The purpose of this procedure was to ensure that Mason had a better quality of life and we are hoping that we will see some improvement once the cast is removed.

Dr. Abzug stopped by prior to the procedure to walk us through everything again and make sure that we didn’t have any questions.  Soon after he left the anesthesia Dr. and nurse told us that they were ready for Mason.  My husband and I gave Mason some kisses and he was off to the operating room for his procedure. 

Mason's Journey in the Land of Brachial Plexus Part 1

Part I

What are the odds?

During one to three out of every 1,000 births a child is born with a Brachial Plexus (also referred to as Erbs Palsy) injury. With odds like that it seems highly unlikely to expect that your child would be born with such an injury. Guess the odds were in our favor.

Preparing for birth

Like any other couple my husband and I were ecstatic when we found out that we were expecting. The excitement increased as my due date approached. I remember one night while we were watching TV my husband said what if something is wrong and our child is not healthy. I immediately became upset (why would you say that to a pregnant woman??) and said “Let’s not think that way. Everything will be fine”.  In hindsight, I know that my husband wasn't trying to be a pessimistic, but was trying to prepare me for some of the realities that can occur from childbirth.

Tick-Tock

My original due date was July 20^th however my son was not ready to make an appearance. Needless to say all of the wives tales on how to expedite labor did not work for me. At 41 weeks I was scheduled for an induction. I was extremely nervous about the birthing process after watching endless episodes of Baby Story on TLC and birthing videos.

The whole process took less than 24 hours but I pushed for 2 hours straight and finally Mason was introduced to the world ( I will spare you all of the not so nice details). I wanted them to lay him on my chest but they whisked him away immediately to evaluate him. With all of the excitement it didn't cross my mind that something was wrong.

Psychic Vibes?

Once they cleaned up Mason, swaddled him and dressed him in his hospital cap they laid him on my chest. As all mothers know no words can express the first time that you gaze into your child’s eyes. As he was laying there the Dr. was explaining that Mason suffered an injury to his right arm from the birthing process. She was saying that it’s called Erbs Palsy and usually children recover by the time that they are 3 months. It was hard to process as I had just accomplished to most incredible feat of my life, and was overcome with emotion.

Thinking back to that conversation with my husband, I have to wonder was he getting some type of vibe telling him that something may be wrong?

Recovery and Parent Training

 

I was in the hospital for 3 days after giving birth, during that time I was trying to absorb tons of information from the doctors, nurses, lactation specialist and the physical therapists.  We were told that Mason would need physical therapy to prevent the muscles in his right arm from stiffening and were given exercises to try with him at home on a routine basis.

Although my husband and I were concerned we didn't let his injury overshadow the joy that we were experiencing from being first time parents, plus we were determined to do whatever it took to help our son progress. We never viewed the injury as a way to feel sorry for ourselves, or turn it into a legal battle with the hospital. The injury just makes Mason even more special and loved.