Well, we have had some cooler days since my last blog, of which I’m sure we are all grateful for (particularly where the bad fires are still active- our thoughts are still with you all). Before I chat about all things Mister C, I just wanted to acknowledge the importance of having (and keeping) friendly and kind neighbours. Without our neighbours we couldn’t really go away, nor have dinner gatherings (like last night (Friday)- thank-you (H, B & A), what a great night we had!); nor share news and fire plans, or help with child and pet-minding too. ‘Love thy neighbour’ (sounds a bit (Religious) familiar that saying doesn’t it?…) But it’s literally true nonetheless…
Righto… As I previously wrote, we finally got a surgery date booked for Mister C to rid those terrible ‘raspberries’. The procedure was to remove both the (used by) tonsils and adenoids, he was to stay overnight for observation, monitor pain and fluid intake etc. The surgery day finally arrived (20.06.14), still grieving for the loss of our dear Oma (the service was only days earlier, so thankful we could go- particularly if surgery date had been moved earlier!); I had to push on for the greater good of the family (no question about it, those damn tonsils had to GO!). Husband, the girls and I were as ready and organised as much as possible (everything was going over and over in my head, even in my dreams mind you); nevertheless, I always worried about the what if’s (Mother’s worry), something always went amok in our world (let’s hope it was only minor…)
It was a Friday, Husband was organised (given a list of things to do for the kids and home) and helped the girls get ready and go to school as usual. I had two weeks off work as carers leave, to help Mister C get thru and recover from the surgery. We had to be at the hospital mid-morning (good Husband drove), so we could see the Specialist and Anaesthetist again, while Mister C could be prepped for the procedure. I recall, Mister C was grumpy that morning, he knew something was out of routine (particularly with not being able to have any solid breaky food-drinks were allowed). We had all talked a bit about what to expect in the Specialist’s rooms and at home, but he was still too little to fully understand nonetheless (one day off his twenty-one-month milestone to note).
I recall waiting in the Day-Procedure room with Mister C on my lap. He cheered up when he saw a few other children in the same hospital pyjamas and dressing gowns, playing with paper hats and balloon gloves, rather than the usual plastic toys in a box in the play-room near the waiting area. Husband stayed with us until he was called into the Anaesthetic Room. I was dressed in blue theatre gear (like old times with nursing) and was able to go in with Mister C, to help keep him calm during the initial anaesthetic. I recall Husband giving Mister C a kiss on the forehead and gave me a look of ‘anxious-mixed-worry’ (don’t let anything happen to my son look). Mister C reached out and called for Daddy, but he quickly settled with me and the coloured balloon glove and cheerful theatre staff (distraction is the best key)…
Husband went to work for a few hours (best to distract himself too), he wrote… “My heart is aching, but relieved that there must not have been any emergency during my big boy’s surgery. Right as I type, he is in Recovery and the operation is finished… I gave him lots of big hugs this morning. I expect to hear within a couple of hours, to find out when I should go to the hospital to see him with the girls after school.”…
It was hard seeing Mister C lifeless (but safe) on the theatre table, after the sedative dose of anaesthetic had been administered via inhalation (‘sleeping gas’ through a child sized Hudson mask); he went to sleep very well and there were no worries to note then (thank goodness- I was relieved that part was done). It always pulls on the heart strings seeing our children so vulnerable, we want to stay to make sure everything goes alright, while not wanting our child to suffer in any way. The kind staff in theatre assured me he was in ‘good hands’ and I was gently ushered out of the area. I went to get changed and grabbed our things, to take back up to the ward where we were to stay for the night. I met some lovely staff, who kindly showed me to Mister C’s room; I even had a comfy looking sofa bed for me to sleep on too (thanks again to the kind and caring Specialists and staff!). I rang Husband to update (as I knew he was worried too) and organised to have something to eat, while Mister C was in theatre (more Mother worry, I couldn’t eat and felt compelled not to eat, while Mister C couldn’t.) …
I waited around at the hospital (Husband did have the car too), it felt like many hours had passed, until a smiling Recovery nurse called my name. I had gone back to the small waiting room, on the other side of the theatre area to wait for Mister C; mainly to help with him when he woke up and make sure he was still all intact! (Obviously he was)…. Surprisingly, I noted he was quite alert and didn’t look too sad, nor in too much pain. Luckily, the Specialist had put a lot of local anaesthetic (thank-you so very much!) into his throat where the rotten raspberries had been. Mister C did so well in Recovery, he was able to be moved back to the ward within one hour of me arriving; he was able to have small sips of a drink, swallowing slowly, but well (is a big issue with little ones post this surgery type).
The staff on the ward were very attentive, Mister C was fairly settled (considering what he’d just been through). Husband did come up with the girls later that afternoon, Mister C starting crying when he saw them all! He gave the girls lots of big cuddles, and Daddy of course he held him very tight… We were all relieved the surgery was over, the Specialist came to see Mister C later too, and was very pleased with how it all went (thank goodness those rotten bits were well and truly gone FOREVER!). The look on his face was priceless, he said, “Those tonsils were one of the biggest I have ever seen for a young boy his age!” We all shook our heads in unison and in complete wonder… It was a long night; I have to say. We didn’t get much sleep, but were grateful for the care and support, with regular pain relief Mister C needed throughout the first twenty-four hours.
Getting home later the next day was a relief, even though were so happy with everything; nothing beats home… I recall Flossy (second sister) had complained to Dad she had a throbbing headache the night we were in hospital, so Husband helped Flossy with her sore head issue (pretty good considering that was probably the only minor hiccup that had occurred the whole time). Husband commented…” I am so happy Mister C’s surgery went well. He needs pain relief several times a day, but gave me a little bit of a smile yesterday and is well on the road to recovery.” He did go on to comment… “Was quite amazing when Mister C and Mummy were in hospital, the first time he has not been at home overnight, I did not have to lock all the cupboards and not worry about how loud the TV was!”…
It did take several weeks for Mister C to fully recover from his procedure. It took some time for him to start eating more solid foods, (a routine of prescribed liquid pain relief in the am and pm before meals really helped for about 2 weeks, while the tonsil bed healed), custard and bananas were his favourite, and of course ice-cream (but he did say ‘ouch’ every time he took a mouthful of the cold stuff!). Being at home those weeks completely focused on Mister C and the girls (in between school etc), I had time to think about life and future plans. I know I had said to Husband years earlier, that we would never move again (it was a tough move being quite pregnant with Mister C the last time). I recall Husband saying… “Since Oma passed away, there has been lots of banter about moving again! You are talking about how dull life can be where we are, after saying in the last two years, that we are never moving again!” Since losing Oma, I felt the need to re-valuate our position in the world, life was indeed TOO short (particularly when I finish Uni and apply for New Grad positions in the area, while move closer to family). Dear Oma and my Dad always said, “Do what makes you happy, don’t worry about the rest, it will fall into place.”…
A word from Mister C…
“Keep Calm, just wear your pyjamas all day!”…
“The Circus is coming to town soon; I saw the sign down the coast- did you know? I love the Circus, it’s lots of fun! I like going to see the show, because I like the big spinning wheel with the fire on it; it is CRAZY! The man spins really fast on the wheel and it looks amazing and scary; but I really like it! I also like the stunt where the arrow shoots the balloon, that’s cool. Shooting arrows at balloons, I have never seen that before, or like a real axe in the show too. I want to join the circus, when it comes to town soon. Can I Mummy?!”…
Stay tuned…
Our plans come to life with moving (amongst some (semi) heated discussions and sleepless nights from Husband about change and moving house-again!). Mister C is improving after his surgery and is zanier than ever; we have a couple more celebrations and lots and lots of packing to be done…
Good update, gee Mister C is lucky to have such a kind caring daddy
Love reading about MisterC and his family!