Baby Lindberg: Ear Surgery & Random Cell Phone Shots

Friday, December 3, 2010, William had ear tubes re-inserted and his adenoids removed. His surgery was set for 8:45am. He had to arrive for registration by 7:45am. No fluids after 5:45am.

No fluids in the morning is an issue for Will. He has to have milk first thing when he wakes up. He was allowed to have water and pedialyte after midnight. Therefore, I got up at 5:30am and got him a sippy full of 'juice' (pedialyte). He drank the juice, still half asleep in bed. Once that was gone, he slept a little longer.

We headed to the hospital where his surgery was last time. Same ear, nose, & throat doctor that he has been seeing since the discovery of his ear troubles. The doctor generally works out of Children's Hospital in the cities. He comes up a couple times a month to work out of the hospital up here.

William didn't have many problems changing into the hospital attire. He was unsure about the blood pressure cuff and when it squeezed his arm, he decided he did not like it after all. He was also not big on the pulse/oxygen measuring device placed on his finger or toe.

He did not mind having his temp taken, even though he is not used to the oral thermometer method. We generally use the under arm and the doctors office normally uses the ear method. He also took the medications (ibuprofen & Versed - benzo) without an issue.

However, when the nurse tried to put the name band on his arm - he put up a fight. We finally got him pinned and could get the band on his ankle and covered it up by his pants/socks. Then he settled down. Apparently he does not like things stuck to him.

He watched TV for awhile and that helped to distract him. William was given Versed to help him relax and have less memory for the events of the surgery. However, shortly after taking the Versed he started to get a little combative and upset. Trying to hold him, because he was not coordinated enough to be set down, I asked the doctor about this reaction. He replied, "Have you ever seen a drunk person who got a little upset or out of hand?" Um... yeah - I work at detox. The doctor laughed. So apparently William is a 'mean drunk'. He quickly settled down and then was fairly docile. When the nurse came to get him, he went with her, staring at her, and saying "hhhiiiiii"... Yep, he was stoned.

The surgery was supposed to last 90 minutes including recovery time. About 45 minutes into it we got called to met with the doctor for an update. The doctor said that William had a 'glue-like' substance in his left ear, causing his hearing loss and balance issues. He added that there was also some 'gunk' in the right ear as well, but not as bad. Will's body had developed a membrane around the back of the left ear tube, which was the main issue with the blockage. He did well throughout the surgery and recovery.

Once he woke up, they brought him out to us. He was still groggy from the anesthesia. We just held him for awhile and the nurse had us hold an oxygen mask in front of his nose. They said that his oxygen levels were low and as he'd fall deeper into sleep, they'd get lower. He eventually started to become more alert. They wanted to see him more alert and eating something before they removed the IV. He would cycle between sleeping and whimpering a bit.

When he finally became more alert we tried to offer him a Popsicle and juice. He declined both. He asked for yogurt. They countered with jello. No go. We offered a cracker and he took two graham crackers, but still didn't want fluids. Finally, he drank a little juice and asked for more crackers.

When the nurse removed his IV, he was not concerned when the needle was removed, but was very angry about her removing the tape that was holding it in place. He was also even more upset when she put a band-aid on his hand where the IV had been.

He was finally able to go home. He got a prescription for amoxicillin and ear drops. He fell alseep on the way home and the snoring that came from this child could rival his father's snoring. It was unbelievable! I'm hoping that this is due to the swelling from surgery and begins dissipate with time.

He seems to be doing well. He seems to be happier more of the time (knock on wood). I'm hoping to see his balance improve and his hearing and speech improve over time.

Here are some random photos I have taken with my phone over the last few months.

"You got a problem? I'll GIVE you a PROBLEM!"

"Just Kiddin'! "

So sweet!

Will was sick with 103 temp. He didn't want to be held, didn't want to watch TV, didn't want his favorite animals or blankets, didn't want to eat... nothing helped him. He laid down on the floor in front of the kitchen cabinets and stared at the garbage can...

4-Wheelin'!!

At an outdoor funeral for my friend Briana's aunt. It was a very sad reason to get together, but turned out to be a wonderful celebration of life for her Aunt's family and friends.