Andrew's Surgery

All went well today with Andrew having oral surgery. We're all pretty exhausted to say the least! Yesterday our friends that were so kindly taking our girls overnight for us called and said they were going to pick them up around 5pm. Which ended up being a huge lifesaver as I had more packing and cleaning to get done before our drive up north for Andrew's surgery. John hadn't gotten home from work yet to see the girls off before they had to leave, so we thought we'd surprise him with this picture:

{He loved it by the way!}

I've been meaning to write about Andrew needing to have surgery for months now but have fallen short doing so as other things kept coming up. It all really started right after he was born. About a week into nursing, Andrew and I went in to see a lactation consultant. During the exam, she noticed that when she was checking his palate for his sucking strength, that his tongue wasn't protruding as far as it needed to for proper and efficient latching during nursing. Which would explain the feeding difficulties. His tongue was shaped like a heart or a "w" instead of a round or pointy tip. We then had his pediatrician refer us to an ENT specialist. It wasn't until May that we were able to get him in. After the ENT doc had a check into his mouth, he was able to confirm that he did indeed have Ankyloglossia - also referred to as tongue tie. Surgery was recommended within the following month or so. I learned that because of this condition, it was the likely culprit for nursing him to cease at 2 weeks. I have to say that a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders when I learned this bit of information at his appointment. With every one of my children, nursing was not a question. It was important to me to go as long as possible. At least for the first 6 months. But for some reason or another, it didn't last as long as I had hoped with Andrew. I now know full heartily that I did everything in my power to make it work. So his ENT doc recommended that he has surgery called Frenulectomy where they clip the frenulum under the tongue. Without this procedure done, he could face serious problems in the future. Some including: speech and eating difficulties, cavities, not being able to stick out the tongue past his lips, etc. Hind sight is definitely 20/20. Had I known of Ankyloglossia, I would have had it checked right after he was born. The girls never had it so I never thought to look. The good news is he's healthy and happy. I'm very thankful for the awesome doctors that have had the opportunity to be partners with in Andrew's care.

{Andrew and I at my cousin's house last night getting ready for bed.}

Surgery was scheduled for today, Thursday June 25th at 8am. We checked in at 7am and went through the admitting process. Once we were taken back into a room to get him dressed into a gown and answer pre-surgery questions, I started to get a bit nervous - but it surprisingly went away rather quickly. Andrew's surgeon was well reputable with 30+ years experience so I knew he was in good hands. He also had a blessing given to him a few days before which calmed our fears and nerves and I believe was the main reason why I was as calm as I was. The nurses came into our patient room where we then handed him over - pacifier secured in his mouth and all. (Yes, he was called a girl on accident because he was wearing a peach gown!) It was hard watching him leave down the hall but I knew it was going to be a fast procedure and we'd see him in just a little while. John and I were taken to the recovery waiting area. That was the longest 30-45 minutes I've had to endure in awhile. Unfortunately, reading material wasn't on the priority list at the hospital but I did managed to fumble across an old issue of People Magazine. I had to have something to distract me until his surgery was done. His surgeon came out. Told us the surgery went really well and he had to have 3 sutures and needed to be on antibiotics for 5 days in the event of infection. Moments later we were called back to be with him as he was awaking from anesthesia. I couldn't wait to hold him! His heart rate was still being monitored by his finger but I was surprised to see that he was wire free elsewhere. Apparently, they weren't lucky enough to get an IV started so they had to give him a shot in a muscle to help with the oxygen flow (which raised his heart rate quite a bit and then returned back to normal once the surgery had ended) and due to the lack of an IV, he wasn't able to receive anti nausea medication so that made for an interesting first feeding after surgery. To skip the hype, let's just say I was happy that the bottle was diluted. Once he was cleaned up and changed, we made for our way back home. It did take us about 3 hours due to traffic issues but we were just happy to finally get home. I was even happier once my girls returned and I was able to hug them and hear all about their fun sleepover at our friend's house. We're very lucky to have so many amazing friends here that are like family to us, especially when immediate family doesn't live close by. Thank you Dani and Brent. We sure do appreciate and love you guys! Especially for taking them for us on such short notice. Our girls had such a great time. :)

{Our car ride so early in the morning - on our way to the hospital.}

{Daddy with his boy before getting dressed into his surgical gown.}

{Andrew sporting his oh so sweet peach gown - ready to go in for surgery.}

{He was out for most of the car ride home. Cheeks still red from his surgery.}

{At home later in the day feeling a little better with his toys and blankie.}

As for Andrew, by the end of today, he's already starting to show signs of his old self with smiles and cuddles. They told us before we left the hospital that especially with the antibiotics and the wearing off of anesthesia, that it may take a few days for him to feel better - with his appetite returning and not being so sleepy. All in all, he's been such a trooper through this whole ordeal and we're so glad he's doing as well as he is. A big thank you to all of those that kept Andrew in your thoughts and prayers. We are very grateful for wonderful family and friends!