This morning went is over, and I guess in the end, it went well. We are all home, in one piece even though DS2 is a bit groggy, DS1 is napping on the couch and I'm a bit tired. I give my apology now, as I'm going to give a bit too much information on anesthetic recovery as I want other adoptive parents to have the information.
First, when going for surgery, there are a thousand questions that are tough to answer;
- Has he even had anesthesia? yes
- Did he have any reaction to it? unknown
- Was there any trauma in the birth process (why they need this one I don't know)? unknown
- Does he have any allergies? none known
- Does he have a history of infections? not recently, otherwise unknown.
After the doctor visit, they gave DS2 a drug to sedate him before the surgery. By the time we were heading to the OR, he could no longer sit up on his own and his head kept drifting on his shoulders. The surgery started about an hour later than expected, but still only took about 20 minutes from start to finish. I joined him in the operating room, where the two nurses, anesthesiologist and the ENT doctor were all waiting. I stayed with DS2 until they knocked him out, he was angry about it. Nonetheless it took 30 seconds max. Then to the waiting room for me.
When the doctor came to get me, he said that there was more than water but yellow puss looking gel. I commented that he gets to see all the gross stuff, he said, "only from the neck up, and the surgery is more satisfying when I can see what I need to fix". Interesting. We'll visit him for a follow up, and updated hearing test in 3 weeks.
In the recovery room, I was asked not to touch or wake DS2; he was to wake on his own which they estimated would take an hour. However, no one had told DS2 the plan. He "woke up" kicking, screaming, hitting, fighting within 5 minutes. The nurses quickly put bumpers on the crib, but he was out of control and not opening his eyes. It totally reminded me of three or four times in the first month where we saw him go through night terrors. He clearly was not awake. My heart sunk a tiny bit, because I did not think this was going to pass quickly.
A nice but too genial nurse, thought I should try holding him; this screaming crazed child. I commented he wasn't awake, this was night terrors. Another nurse, very nice guy from Hell's Kitchen, over heard me and totally got it, we'll call him Bob, he took over. After about ten minutes of trying to keep him in the crib but intervening to keep him from hurting himself as he thrashed about, the suggestion was made to get restraints. This I couldn't allow.
I put DS2 in the cuddle bag, strapped him on, and let him wail. Bob stayed close, checking in to see if he was actually waking at all and chatting with me. Other nurses popped by and curious parents had to check out the wailing child. I didn't feel bad about holding him through it, but I did feel bad/sad that my presence really didn't appear to be all that comforting to him. Also I felt bad that I couldn't do more, he is my kid, but it doesn't always look that way, which makes me want to be more inconspicuous than standing in a busy recovery room with a screaming child in your arms. It is like everyone in there is obligated to look at you, at least once. After another 30-40 minutes of him wailing with eyes open now, but not focusing on anything, Bob thought we should try to knock him out and start again. I was tired, I agreed. We gave DS2 Tylenol with codeine, which he said we would see effect in 15 minutes. 20 minutes later, he, DS2 not Bob, was asleep in my arms.
As I sat down in this great reclining chair, put my feet up and let DS2 finish his morning nap on my chest, Bob and I chatted. He said that too often the anesthesiologist fails to ask if the child has ever had night terrors, and of the kids that wake up bad in the recovery room, it is often the kids with a history of night terrors. DS2 was having such a quick surgery that they did not do an IV, which means if he wakes up bad that you have to give a shot of medicine which takes longer to calm the child than if they are on an IV. It is not really good or bad to be on an IV it is just the he wishes people knew the difference so they could be prepared in the recovery room. He told me if he ever needs general anesthetic again to let the team know he has recovery issues. And he told me I did a better job at handling the situation than most terrified parents (yeah!).
About 40 minutes later, DS2 woke up. He was happy, ate crackers and flirted with everyone. No sign of any trauma from him at all. After a few graham crackers, water and 5 minutes of play, we were released. He is happy to be home. He is a bit tippy when he walks (which should be gone by tomorrow). He seems not to be in any pain; hasn't reached for his ears at all. He is trying to repeat everything I say, a bit more than usual, so I do think he is hearing well.
DS1 is also home today. He has been coughing hard at night, so DH took him to the doctor while I was at the hospital and they think he is having a bit of allergies/asthma, not a cold or infection. Last night DS1 and I had a conversation about DS2 getting the tubes put in his ears. Basically, I summarized by saying this would help him hear better so he could learn more words. Obvious question, "which words are they going to teach him at the hospital?"
So I'm baking a cake, the boys are napping, I'm writing, and tonight we may celebrate that we are entering 2009 all a bit more prepared. DS1 with knowledge of allergies/asthma so he gets treated quicker next time, DS2 with tubes and therapy hopefully moving forward with language, me with a new occupation and financial challenges, but also hoping to be a more patient parent. Really, 2008 wasn't hell, or even horrible. But 2008 wasn't great, Obama is good, and I'll embrace the massive changes that 2008 brought; career, expanding to a family of four. But as I look to 2009, I just believe there is more for all of us to be gained in 2009.
