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!