Gage, when you were about 3 months old, we had a little scare and thought you might have an inguinal hernia. I took you to see Dr. Chris and he ruled out a hernia and said it was more likely a hydrocele. They're not harmful, but can cause a collection of fluid inside the scrotum. It cleared itself up and we didn't notice any more problems with it. That is, until March 11 of this year. Daddy had given you boys haircuts and they're not your favorite things in the world. You were upset about the haircut and while you were in the shower, Daddy noticed you had some swelling. You were acting like it hurt and you didn't want Daddy to touch it. After your shower, the swelling went down and you seemed to be ok. I was sleeping at the time and when I got up, you showed me your boo boo. It did seem swollen, so we decided to take you to see the doctor in the morning. Unfortunately, Dr. Chris was out of the office on Thursdays so you went in to see Dr. Fraser. He was convinced it was a hernia and referred us to a pediatric surgeon at Vanderbilt. By that afternoon, the clinic had called and we made an appointment to see Dr. Speck that following Monday. We were very scared and worried about you and what the doctor would say. You were cool as a cucumber and it wasn't even bothering you anymore.
On Monday morning, we made our way down to Nashville for you 9am appointment. An intern came in to examine you first and then we got to meet Dr. Speck. She did a full exam and she was very confident it was not a hernia. However, she did think it was a hydrocele and that fluid was getting trapped. She recommended a simple surgery to repair the hole that causes the hydrocele. She didn't say it was emergent or urgent, but that it needed to be done at some point in the near future. Since we would be having the new baby in 11 days and I was off work that week, we decided to schedule the surgery for Friday the 20th. We were nervous about the surgery and more so about you having to go under general anesthesia.
We started talking to you about the surgery on Wednesday and you really seemed ok with everything. You were a little nervous when we talked about you getting a "scratch" but when we said you would be asleep while you get the scratch, you were fine.
On Friday morning we had to be down at Vanderbilt at 6am to preregister and your surgery was scheduled for 8am. Thankfully we brought along the tablets, books and the portable DVD player to help pass the time while we waited. Around 7:45 nurses started calling back patients to prep for surgery. Your name was called and we were all able to go back to your room. You got changed into some cute green jammies and the nurse checked your vitals. She actually brought out a couple of push cars for you and Gabe to play in while we waited. The anesthesiologist stopped by and discussed what they would be doing for their part of the surgery. A nurse came by and talked about the procedure. Dr. Speck came in and said hello and asked if we had any questions, and her Fellow introduced himself and marked your belly for surgery. It was a whirlwind and before we knew it, it was time for you to go back for surgery. You were playing your tablet pretty much the whole time and they even let you take it back with you. We gave you hugs and kisses and then they took you back. I shed a few tears and then we headed back to the waiting room.
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| Looking cute in those green jammies |
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| Playing in the cars with Gabe |
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| Playing the tablet before going back for surgery |
We were told it would take between an hour to an hour and a half for your surgery, so we decided to take a walk and find the cafeteria. We walked around a little bit more and after about 45 minutes we decided to go back to the waiting room. At the check-in of the waiting room, there was a big white board that showed all the kids in surgery and where they were in the process. We saw your name and "In Surgery" was beside it, so we knew we still had some time before you would be out. After another 20 to 25 minutes or so, our last name was called to the check-in counter and we were told you were out of surgery and we would be able to see you soon. We were taken back to a room to meet with Dr. Speck to talk about your surgery. She came in and said you did great! You were one of her best patients! She said when they gave you the gas over your nose, you were so well behaved and didn't fight it like other kids do. Of course, you had your tablet to keep you distracted, so I'm sure that helped too. She told us the surgery went very well and she was able to repair the hole that was causing the hydrocele on the left side. During the procedure, she used a little camera to look at the right side and ensure there were no problems on that side that needed repaired.
We went back out to the lobby to wait until we could see you in recovery. A nurse came out and called me back. Children under 14 aren't allowed in the recovery area, so Daddy had to stay back with Gabe. When I got back there, you were laying down and trying to sleep. You were very restless and you seemed like you couldn't get comfortable. Your nurse told me you woke up more quickly than other children and that other children typically sleep off the anesthesia and aren't as restless. You started to complain of some pain, so she gave you some medicine. After your dose, you were able to rest. The anesthesiologist came by to brag on how well you did. He said you fell asleep playing the tablet and didn't even complain one bit. He also said you were one of his best patients too!
You started to wake up and we talked a little bit. I decided to trade out places with Daddy so he could see you too. When he got back to you, you were sitting up drinking a Sprite. You got sick once, but after that you were fine. You drank your Sprite and you even got one to take home.
Twenty more minutes in recovery and it was time to take you home. Daddy got you changed and then we were on our way. You were feeling much better by time I saw you again and that was a relief for me. We stopped by Walgreens and got your medicine filled and then we headed back to Kentucky. You ate some crackers and drank your other Sprite and then slept the rest of the way home.
When we got home, you were still a little sore, so you rested on the couch. Your Granny C came by to see you and Granny Dows was here too. That made you feel better. By that evening, you were up and walking around normally and weren't even complaining of any pain. I was so happy to see how quick you bounced back!
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| Resting on the couch at home |
The next day, Jett came over and you all played outside. You acted like you didn't even have surgery! Such a brave and resilient little boy!
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| Riding the Jeep with Gabe |
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| You even picked me some flowers |
I love you,
Mommy
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