Pictures post-op

Here are some of the more pitiful photos of Cooper post surgery. He looks flushed from the meds and really swollen, a typical side effect of tonsillectomy.

Felling better after a dose of morphine and some love from Nanny.
Finally in a room. Watching some late night TV, well actually Elmo, just very late. He had to where to No-Nose because he started yanking the O2 and he still needed at this point.

Sleeping on Daddy's chest. The best part about being sick!

I loved this picture. His little "toe light" was so cute!

Our happy boy: pre op

These were some pictures of Cooper prior to surgery on Friday morning. He was so happy, even though he was unable to eat. It was such a relief since the previous pre-op was very rough because he was still nursing.
Someone cover up that tushie!

Talking to a very sick GiGi!

Ohhhhhhh, so pretty!

Home

We are home. He is drinking better now, but still not great. And he really isn't eating. I will post more tomorrow, but I am really tired now. Thanks for all the thoughts, comments, and prayers. It has been so uplifting.

Still here

We are still in the hospital and that is where we will stay at least for tonight. Cooper is sleeping now and seems to be comfortable. He yanked his IV around 6. The dr said we could leave it out for now, but he is still not really drinking. He needs to have 1100cc per 24hrs. That calculates to around 50cc per hour. He has only had about 15cc since he pulled the IV. The nurse said if we could get a 3oz bottle in him with every dose of pain meds (so every 4 hours) she would be happy. We tried about an hour ago and he wouldn't take any. We are about to try and see if he will dream feed now. If he doesn't up the intake soon, he will likely need a new IV. Hope he turns a corner soon so we can go home tomorrow. He has taken this much harder than I expected, but I still don't regret it. The ENT made it clear it was necessary. He was struggling to eat and breath at the same time which is a crucial human function. He will now have a much larger airway and an easier time breathing; it was the right thing to do. Once we get past this, things will get better! I am beyond exhausted and hoping for a better night for us all. 

One heck of a night

Last night was super rough. Cooper was in so much pain. The dr had only ordered his pain med for every 6 hours, and after 2-3 he was back in pain and needing another dose. The reason for the longer space between doses was in hopes that he could stay off of the O2, but he was in more respitory distress from the pain, screaming, and reflux then the meds. He was screaming and his sats kept dropping and the blow by was just too hard, so they put him back on 1/2 liter O2 for the night. He was screaming so bad at one point, every nurse on the floor told me that they were trying to get something for him. The were having phone shut down last night, and were having trouble getting a hold of the doc. They finally did and he upped it to every 4 hours as well as giving him chloraseptic spray and gas drops. After his 11:00 meds, he laid in Curtis's lap and watch an Elmo movie until he finally fell asleep. He went in his bed at around 12:30. He would frequently wake to scream and squirm, but with a little patting he would drift back to sleep. I think he got about a 45min stretch then. After that, he was crying and in pain off and on. He had another dose of meds at about 4. After that we put in Mickey Mouse and laid him in his crib. This is when we finally got some sleep. I think I probably got an hour straight that time. At around 6, we tried formula, but he wasn't interested. He just held the bottle, but would not drink. handy manny was on, so we were able to lay him down and get about another hour of sleep. He also came off O2 around then and continues to do well, except when in pain. He had a dose of pain meds and throat spray at 8. He didn't get but maybe a forth of the pain meds, but we got a good spray in the back of his throat and that really seemed to help. He has still only had 3 1/2 oz of formual since 9pm Thursday. He is just simply not interseted. He has had about an oz of juice at most today. So the IV is still in, and it will stay in. The charge nurse just came in and agreed it should stay for now. We may see about lowering the fluids he is getting to see if the need for fluids will encouage him to drink. He had about a tablespoon of steamed white rice for breakfast. He was very interested in that, but just didn't eat much. We have yet to see the dr today, but unless he is eating and drinking, he won't go home. He and Curtis are sleeping in the recliner now. I'm going to try and get ready for the day while they are resting. I will ry to post a pick or 2 of our boy soon.

One last update for tonight

So, I'm really not even sure what all has happened since I last posted, so if I am repeating myself, I apologize. I am running on very little sleep. Cooper was given 2 more doses of morphine in the recovery room, for a totally of 4 doses. He was still on a small bit of oxygen, but was maintaining his sats very well. We finally got to a room at around 6. He was almost happy for a bit, but it didn't last. He is still clearly in pain most of the time. He was given a dose of oral tylenol with codeine at 7, but spit most of that out. Very frustrating because I knew it would cover his pain and they can't re-dose it. So now we are hanging in there until 11 when he can have it again. He yanked his oxygen off at about 7 too. They just had us leave it off to see how he would do. His sats have been hanging in the low to mid 90s without the O2. They tend to drop with pain and crying, but he recovers with just a little blow by. This is a good sign for going home tomorrow. His tummy is still bothering him, but he got IV zantac earlier, and it definitely helped. He is sort of sleeping in Curtis's lap now. He wakes and cries ever few minutes and then falls back asleep. It is going to be a long night to say the least. I will update in the a.m. and perhaps even post a photo or 2. Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts. We appreciate everyone so much.

Having a tough time

Cooper is having a tough time. This was my first chance to get away for a moment and I needed it. He was having lots of hold his breath/ stop breathing spells. It is how he copes with pain. He is on a liter of O2, and his stats are staying in the high 90s now. He has had 2 doses f morphine and is sleeping now, not peacefully, but sleeping. He is having reflux which, to put it frankly, has to hurt like hell. He has just had his throat cut on, and now stomach acid is coming up in it. That must be like pouring salt on an open wound. I gave him his carafate to coat it. The anesthesiologist said he absolutely wanted him to stay. We just saw Dr. Hadeed, the pulmo, and he said they would monitor and keep him on oxygen over night. He said they would keep his IV in and administer all drugs that way. He said they would add protonics to help his tummy. He said they would ease him off O2 tomorrow, and if he did well, he could go home, but if not he'd stay until he was better. He is very swollen and has only opened his eyes once. He is not a happy boy. I will update again once we get a room. For now, I need to go be with him.

He's done!

No sooner did I hit "post" did the doctor come out to tell me he was finished. He said it was very "nasty" in there, and that they cleaned it all out. He said the adenoids where particularity nasty. He said there was no room for anything to get through. They have significantly increased his airway, thus expect him to maintain his breathing much better. We absolutely made the right choice in taking them now. He said we should see him in about 30-45min, but my expectations are not too high that it will be that soon. Will update again when I can.

update #2

Cooper just went back for surgery. They let me take him back into the induction room where they gave him a nasal solution of versed. He was very calm when they wheeled him away and didn't even ask for me. Thank Goodness. We should have see the dr in 30mins. 

update #1

I can't connect to facebook on the Wi-Fi at the hospital, the filter won't allow it. My phone is almost dead so I don't won't to use the web on it. These updates will post to facebook throughout the day. We just took the xopenex neb and saw the anesthesiologist. He is the same doctor as the last time and likely wants Cooper to stay. He said if he woke up perfect then, we would see about going home, but otherwise he will stay. Cooper will get a nose spray of versed to call him before going back . They will then place the IV in the OR. I will continue to update, so check here throughout the day. This is the easiest way to reach the most people. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.

This morning's appointments

Our day started very early this morning. Cooper didn't sleep great last night, and ended up in bed with me most of the night. Our first appointment with the pulmo was at 8:45 and then we went to register and pre op with anesthesiology. We didn't leave the hospital until 12. Cooper fell right to sleep in the car and then had a very good lunch of chicken and veggies and pears. He is now having a 'shake-shake" and watching Jay-Jay the jet plane. The pulmo was very pleased with Cooper. He thinks he should do well, and wanted to wait and see about keeping Cooper the night after surgery. Everyone in the surgery pre-op told me to come prepared to stay, because we probably would, but we won't know for sure until the morning. I really hope they will keep him. I will be a nervous wreck otherwise. Surgery is scheduled for 11:30, so we are to arrive at 9:30. They will give him a xopenex nebulizer in the morning prior to anesthesia. Hopefully that will help. So, now for a fun and flattering story. The anesthesiologist was so sweet. She came in and talked like we were old friends. Then, when we were finishing up, she said "so what field of medicine are you in?" I laughed and told her I wasn't.  She said she was very impressed and thought I could pass myself off as a physician! I told her, I'm my child's only advocate, I research everything thoroughly before hand and know what is going on. Anyway, I was super flattered. My aunt is on her way and we are going to have a fun time shopping and such this afternoon! Will update ASAP in the morning.

We made it

Well, after a very crazy morning, we finally made it to Fort Worth this evening. What was so crazy about the morning you ask? Well, after hearing that the weather was supposed to be colder than expected, I gave my mom a call to let her know so she could adjust her packing. When she answered I knew she wasn't good. She had come down with a nasty cold in the night. I pretty much freaked out. I didn't know what I was going to do. She was supposed to ride with me and go to the pre-ops ect with us. Then Curtis was meeting us on Friday morning for surgery. I knew that we couldn't risk Cooper getting sick, but I didn't want to admit it. It meant I would have to make the 3 hour drive, 2 night hotel stay, and multiple drs visits by myself. Not my idea of a good time. The worst part for me was going to be staying in a hotel with Cooper by myself, and the morning of surgery with no help. We eventually decided that she shouldn't come. This was the right choice because she has since gotten even sicker. I can't imagine how bad Cooper would feel if he got a cold after getting his tonsils out, and I know I couldn't cope with a virus and a post operative 15 month old. Anyway, after talking to my dear cousin Amy, I calmed down. Of course I got worked up again before leaving, but settled back down on the drive. We got to the hotel, and it really is just perfect. It is an extend-a-stay place, so it has a full size kitchen, which is great since I have to tote around Cooper's food. We went and grabbed dinner for me, and then came back and both ate and had baths and played for a bit. Cooper is now sleeping soundly in his pack-n-play. I am about to dry my hair and go to bed myself. Tomorrow we have an appointment with the pulmonologist bright and early, then we have anesthesiology pre-op. After that, my aunt Sharon is coming over to help out. We will have a fun afternoon and dinner, then she is going to stay the night and help with Cooper before surgery. I am so thankful for that. I will update after appointments tomorrow when I can. This really isn't so bad, it has actually been kind of fun for us. We're just making memories!

 

Aunt Sharon

I know you check this throughout the day and thought it would be the best way to get in touch. Can you call me or my mom when you get a chance. Thanks. Love ya!

My smart boy! (A totally bragging post)

Cooper has been amazing me these days. He surprises me on a daily basis with all that he knows. He is talking up a storm and working on phrases. He got into something that bothered his stomach recently, and it gave him very bad diaper rash. While Curtis is changing his diaper, I hear him say "hiney ow;" Curtis replied, "does your hiney hurt?" It was just the cutest thing. On another occasion they were playing peek-a-boo. Curtis would say, "where's Cooper?" "there he is!" Cooper said the phrase as he played. It was precious. Obviously the words weren't perfect, but it was clear that that was what he was saying. He used the same inflections and everything. He loves to sing. He watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and he loves the "hot dog" song; he sings it so cute. He also has several toys that sing the ABCs, and he will say "a,b, ah, ah..." to the tune of the song. I cherish these moments. I can tell I have the heart of a teacher as he learns new things. There is nothing greater when they have those "lightbulb" moments where it all just clicks. Just this morning he had that. He figured out how his fridge phonics worked. That you had to put the letter in the right way and push it for the song. He figured out that the letters don't go with the fridge farm. It really was a great moment. He has also really started to like TV. I had always said he wouldn't watch TV until 2, but it just happened. I needed it to get a shower or the laundry done, or whatever. I mean, we don't watch much, and he rarely sits in front of it, (he is way too busy for that) but it has really been a life saver. And he is picking things up from it too. Handy Manny is his favorite, and he learned to say "Hola" from it. He is quite funny, he will grab the remote, point it at the TV, and say "Manny, Manny!" It is so stinking cute! He is becoming increasingly interested in the potty lately too. He has be curious for a few months, and would always follow me in. He would put his hand on my knees, and I'd tell him "Momma go teetee, good job Momma." Now he will come in say, "teetee" and clap. Then this morning, I finished in the bathroom, and while I was washing my hands, he lifts the lid and starts trying to pull down his shorts. I had to let him try. I mean, I know he is only 15mo, but if he is that interested, I'm not going to turn him down. So we take of his shorts and diaper, and I set him on the potty. I told him to push, and he set there "grunting" away. I was very impressed.
Now after all that bragging, I have to say I don't take any credit for any of this. It is not a reflection of my parenting, yet a reflection of the Lord's masterpiece. I had to come to terms with this early on. When Cooper was struggling so, I felt it was some how my fault. That him being sick and very delayed was a reflection on me as a parent. That I needed to do more. That was a very arrogant thing to think, that I had that much control over the situation. He was the Lords before he was ever mine. He was a masterpiece then, and still is today. He is no less perfect now then he was a year ago. I am just very thankful and blessed that he is thriving so well, but my life would be no less if he weren't. My Lord would be no less if he weren't.

My future track star

If he gets some recessive gene. The other night, we went to the track for a walk. It was great because there was no one there and Cooper was able to run around. He had lots of fun. He was so cute running on the track.

Surgery rescheduled, again

Sorry I am a little late at posting this, but it has been a busy week. Last Friday, the ENT's office called to let me know the dr was going to be out of town the day we had scheduled Cooper's surgery in April, so we needed to change it. First they suggested moving it to April 10. That is Good Friday, so I said that wouldn't work; then she said well how about the next week, like the 17th. I just felt so bad for Cooper and knew he really shouldn't wait that long. He is doing so much better, but he still has tough times, and frankly, I am just so ready to get this over with. So, I asked if there was any time earlier, and told them that Cooper had been well for a week. She said we could do it on March 27, next Friday. We went with that date. I am really gearing up for it. While Cooper had RSV, he was on steroid breathing treatments. I believe they really helped with the swelling in his throat. He is doing so much better eating now. He has been eating chicken again, and taking his normal amount of formula. We also started him on Zyrtec daily. This has made a huge improvement. While I hate adding another medicine to the list, I know this one is really needed, and he is doing just terrific with it. His stridor has been better at night. I do notice if we play outside though, he usually could use a breathing treatment before bed, just to clear things up. Other than that, it has been a smooth couple of weeks at our house, which is just grand! He hasn't been to ANY dr in 2 weeks, which is sadly the longest all year. This cold season has been VERY rough on him, harder than expected, but I think we are past it now. We have been staying in more, no church, mom's club, bible study. Nothing where he would be in direct contact with other children. It has been hard, but I think it has made all the difference, and we have to keep him healthy until surgery. We've been washing hands often and using lots of disinfectant wipes. He's doing great, so it is all worth it. He will have 2 pre-ops the day before surgery, 1 with the pulmonologist and 1 with anesthesiology. We will have to leave practically in the middle of the night to make the first of the 2 appointments. It is at 8:45, so we will need to leave around 5 to make it with the traffic. Please pray for traveling mercies. Also, I am a little nervous that they will opt not to keep him overnight since he looks so good, but he needs to stay overnight. I need for him to stay overnight. I will be a worried mess otherwise. It is not the tonsillectomy I am concerned about, but rather his response to anesthesia. Last time he did not wake up well, and I would have hated to take him home after that. Anyway, that really is my only concern at this point. I think all will go well. Thanks in advance for the thoughts and prayers in the upcoming week.

Happy St Patty's day!

This evening we took Cooper took the park. It was an absolutely beautiful day so we decided to take advantage of it. Here are a few pictures from our day.Curtis took this picture. No editing what so ever. I didn't even have to crop it. I was pretty impressed.
I love this picture, even though Curtis's eyes were a little squintty because it was so bright.
Just trying to play around with my new camera. Thought this was a pretty cool shot.
This isn't the greatest picture, but I am just happy to have a picture with my little man, because it is not easy to come by these days!

Project 365: catching up

Our lives have been super busy lately, which means I haven't been on top of the pictures or the blog for that matter. Here is a variety of pics from the past couple of weeks.

February 16: Cooper and the wonderful Dr. Howard, our chiropractor.

February 17: If your dr ever shows up in a t-shirt and diaper, run the other way, unless he's *this* cute!

February 19: Cooper and uncle Chris playing bubbles. I love how you can see his hand through the bubble. It really captured the moment.

February 20:Cheese. Need I say more.

February 22: Man I love this face. It just makes me want to eat him up!

February 23: My big boy putting himself to sleep. It is the most wonderful thing. I think he looks almost angelic in this picture.

February 25: Another "cheese" shot. Reading books in his room.

February 26: This picture is fantastic if I do say so myself. I'm trying to be a little more artistic with my new camera.

February 27: Cooper cuddling his Elmo. Makes a sick boy feel better!

Pictures of our sick boy

This is the face of RSV. Isn't just pitiful? If your little one looks like this, don't take him to the WGH ER. HAHAHA, I crack myself up sometimes. Thanks aunt Sharon for the kisses "melmo". He makes Coopie feel better.

I love this picture. He is such a good boy to take his breathing treatments so well. Thanks Drew for letting us borrow your panda bear nebulizer.

If it's not one thing...

...it's another. Cooper has RSV. He will not be having his tonsil and adenoidectomy as planned this week. He has had major mucus for a week or so, but he had seen the pedi and it appeared to be nothing more than allergy and perhaps a little cold. Then on Saturday he was not himself. He had a awful cough and began running fever. The only time he has ever had fever was when he had pneumonia. I alternated giving tylenol and motrin, but his fever never came down. On Sunday morning, it was 102.9, so to the ER we went. That was an awful experience. The dr was a joke. He came in and said he had a virus, before even turning to look at him. He continued to say all the antibiotics in the world would do nothing for a virus, so the fact that he had just completed zithromax meant nothing. I knew this, that was the reason that I was concerned about RSV. I told him right away I was concerned about pneumonia and RSV. He told me that RSV is a virus just like any other virus. It only is an issue if they are a premie or have other health issues. I started to explain he did have a complex history, and he told me, while pointing at him and walking out the door, "he's fine now." That's funny, if he's so fine, how come he's on at least 3 meds a day and having upcoming surgery!? He looked in his throat and then sent in nurses to do the tests. He didn't even listen to his chest. They did a chest xray, cbc, strep, influenza, and RSV test. He waltzed in, told me the xray was clean, handed me a stack of lab reports, told me to take them to the pedi, then waltzed right back out, saying "he just has a virus, feed him popsicles." Being the advocate for my child that I am, I read through all of them and then inquired to the nurses. All of them were clearly with in normal range except for one. RSV antigen: positive, normal results: negative. I asked, "what does this mean?" Of course the nurses could not tell me that it meant he had it. They told me, he was carrying the virus, could spread it to others, and had been exposed. Definition: he has it. They encouraged me to take him to the pedi first thing in the morning and advised that the same dr would be there all day and night if he were to get worse. *Hint hint*, go somewhere else. They monitored him until they could get his temp down some (only 1/2 a degree) and until his respirations slowed, then sent us home. I will be making a big fat complaint to the hospital about the dr. Thankfully the nursing staff was terrific. We saw the pedi first thing today, and he made it clear that he does in fact have RSV. He explained it has to run its course, but we will do all we can to prevent him getting worse. He will continue xopenex breathing treatments and an expectorant to break up all the mucus, and continue tylenol and motrin for the fevers. They will see him back on Thursday. We have rescheduled surgery for April 3, baring that nothing else goes wrong and his lungs are clean. I plan to keep him in until then to avoid catching anything else and further delaying surgery.