Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tonsillectomy x Two

We are currently minus two voices at our house. Last Thursday was the big surgery day for our family. Peyton and Lexi both needed their tonsils removed so we decided it would be the best to do them together.
The hospital had a great pre-surgery class that taught them what to expect and included a tour of the surgical unit.
They got to try everything out and practice on their own little surgery buddy.
The morning of the surgery was a lot harder for me than anyone. The kids were a little nervous and I was a lot nervous. After their exams Peyton gave Lexi one last hug for good luck before she went for her surgery. I walked with Lexi and the doctor back to the long hallway where you say good-bye. I tried to stay strong as Lexi quietly began to cry. Big tears started to run down her cheeks. Having worked as a nurse I had seen this scene unfold many a time but when you are the parent and have to stop at the red line it is like part of your heart is being torn from you. I gave her a big hug and told her everything would be o.k. as my own voice started to shake. Then I placed her hand in the doctors and watched them walk away as tears rolled down my own face.
After I composed myself I returned to Peyton and Lance where Peyton was playing video games while waiting for his turn. When the doctor came to get Peyton I was so relieved everything had gone well with Lexi but then I started the walk with Peyton. He was so calm and cool about it. He gave me a big hug and said, "I'll see you when I wake up". I am glad one of us could be rational about this.
When they let us back to the recovery room Lexi was just waking up and crying about her throat and IV hurting. She looked at me and said, "I thought this was supposed to be fun". I think all the talk about slurpees, the neat tour, and surgery class had been just a little misleading. Once they were back together and had their slushies they did great in recovery watching their own TVs mounted on the ceiling.
Their favorite part has been all the nice visitors who have brought yummy Slurpees and Popsicles they get to eat.

6 comments:

janae said...

You are a trooper! I got tears in my eyes reading about cute Lexi, I am sure it was harder on you than the others. Are you in need of anymore popsicles:)

Tricia said...

You are wonder woman! I don't know how you did it! I probably would have been a basket case! =) Two cute little patients! I'm glad they're on the mend now!

Mrs. M said...

The pre-op photos are fun and now it is all behind you. Way to be strong!

Jamie said...

sad, but fun they got to do it together!

sassy sase sightings said...

The kids were such troopers. I hope they are both feeling much better. You are a great mom and you were do patient with them when they were not feeling well or were in pain. Thank you for letting me come hang out with you.

sassy sase sightings said...

I meant to say you were SO patient. I should preview before publishing I guess