Having a rough recovery...need advice & prayers [Archive]

SummerEhmann

12-22-2010, 09:14 PM

So we've been having a rough time. Brentley was eating like a champ before and then he kicked off 2 IV's out of his legs and so they couldn't get him extra fluids or his medicine. So they gave him his antibiotic and tylenol orally and now he is refusing to eat...like he doesn't trust us since the medicine tasted so bad. He won't nurse or take a bottle. :no

He's getting more swollen by the minute and looks like a little sumo wrestler.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1367.snc4/163907_10150365713860343_883380342_16356471_149243 0_n.jpg

And he hadn't gone #2 since Sunday so they gave him a supository thinking that's why he wasn't eating and he finally went. Well...still not wanting to eat. He hasn't eaten for 7 hours now. then he threw up a little (which is so unlike him).

Then 2 nurses just came in to start a new IV and they promised they would only try once since I cannot handle him being poked numerous times and it failed...of course. So now he's sleeping again and we wait to see if he'll eat when he wakes up. I'm really worried. I feel so bad they poked him for nothing. :curse :pissed

They did finally take the drain tube out earlier today. :yipeePlease say a little prayer that when he wakes up he's feeling better and eats. I don't want them to have to put in a feeding tube or anything. This is not fun to go through and just want to get past this so bad!

Did anyone else go through these kinds of issues after surgery? :confused And we're at the end of the second day..his eyes sweld shut and now they are kind of open...do you think it'll get worse and swell up again? Whats the worst time after surgery? Thanks in advance.

BobbiJoe777

12-22-2010, 09:30 PM

Okay... Ill see what I can do here...

Samantha didnt swell until AFTER they took the drain out. We thought we dodged that bullet for a few days, but then BAM! That was hard to watch. I think if she had swollen immediately, it wouldnt have been that bad. Watching it happen overnight (2nd into 3rd day) was hard, but thats when it happened.

She also didnt have a BM until the 4th day, just before we were heading home. She didnt eat any solids at all before we left on day 4.

She didnt hold down ANY fluids for AT LEAST 2 days. Every time she ate, she vomited. She never throws up, so that was scary. I felt like she would never eat again... but she did. The third afternoon, she started drinking clear fluids and holding it down. She DID have an IV in, so they kept giving her fluids, but, in fairness, she had 3 IV's in! So if one, or even two had been kicked out, there was always an extra.

How long did they say they would wait before doing something like a feeding tube? Maybe they could orally sedate and then put a new IV in? I really dont know, Im just thinking a feeding tube seems like a pretty drastic maneuver.

For us... the second night into the third day was the hardest. Sam was becoming more alert, and she was pretty agitated by her situation. It got easier the end of the third day, and the third night was MUCH better. Less nurses interrupting her sleep too, which was good.

You may well be at the worst part (in the hospital anyway). Home is a completely different ball game....

Keep us posted on whether or not he eats!!

Lauren

12-22-2010, 09:34 PM

You are in the worst of it. Matthew didn't eat the whole five days were were there. It truly wasn't until the day we were about to leave that he finally started eating and drinking.

Remember, you are on hospital time and monitoring him like you haven't done since he was brand new. You are so focused on him that every hour that goes by without him eating feels like four hours.

Ask for EMLA cream if they need to do another IV. It numbs the skin so they don't feel the needle. I wouldn't let them near him without it. The phlebotomist was furious with me because I messed up her schedule, but I didn't care. I don't know if they still use it, but if they do get it.

Hang in there. It honestly sounds like he is right on track (or at least doing it just like Matthew did). :hugg

SummerEhmann

12-22-2010, 09:34 PM

Yikes...I would freak out if he kept vomiting. I'm sorry that happened to Samantha. We just got a new nurse who said if he doesn't eat in a few hours they will try again with the IV. The last lady who tired said he was too chubby. lol

I just want someone to do it and get it right so I don't worry. He's still snoozing so I'll keep you posted.

SummerEhmann

12-22-2010, 09:37 PM

Lauren thanks for the tip on the cream. I'll ask them about it. I just hate hearing him cry right now. I mean normally I have thick skin and can let him cry it out but now where he's at right now. I can't handle it for 1 second. Aghh tick tock...

Nezzy

12-22-2010, 09:54 PM

Amanda3796

12-22-2010, 10:22 PM

Oh hun, all I can say is it will get better - sounds like you're in the worst part of recovery. Unfortunately all our kiddos have to suffer a little for the positive outcome. :sigh Wish that weren't the case. Gabe ate ok after surgery but he have some projectile vomiting episodes. Their poor little bodies just went through a lot. And bless their hearts, so did they. He'll eat soon I'm sure. I do agree, hearing them cry during this time is awful to hear. I too did whatever I could to avoid that.

As far as the swelling goes, it should be getting better since it seemed to have already peaked. As long as he stays inclined his eyes should stay "peeking".

BIG HUGS to you!!!!

:prayPraying that little man eats for you soon. I'm sure he'll be fine, but I know it'll do your mommy heart some good to see him gobble down.

Janet

12-22-2010, 10:30 PM

Fiona's whole body was swollen from all the IV fluids, she started off with sugar water, then formula....she didn't eat solids for a few days....and she didn't have formula until late on day 2.

SummerEhmann

12-22-2010, 10:37 PM

Didn't they pump him full of fluids right after surgery when he still had the IV in? Is he still peeing? Nick didn't want to eat at all that second day and they were not worried about it. They told me since he was given so many fluids that it would take alot for him to dehydrate. His IVs were removed within 24 hours. They removed all his IV ports after we were in our regular room. I would say as long as he is peeing, he is OK and should not need another IV. Are you trying pedialyte or formula? I'd start with little bits of pedialyte.

Well he did have the IV pump hooked up till he kicked it out today and he has had plenty of wet diapers until he stopped eating. Just talked to the nurse and we will wait 1 more hour...he's still sleeping. If he doesn't eat still they will bring in the IV lady again. :sigh

SummerEhmann

12-22-2010, 10:40 PM

thanks Amanda...makes me feel better that hopefully this is the peak and it will get better. Oh and we get to give him a bath tomorrow. Can't wait to get all the blood off his head. Poor thing.

Janet

12-22-2010, 10:47 PM

If he needs another IV, they should maybe put a brace thing on his arm...they put one on Fiona's because she was pulling at the drain tube and the IV's.

fitmomof2ae

12-22-2010, 10:57 PM

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. Adam pulled his iv's out early too, but luckily we didn't have any trouble with him eating and they said it was fine to leave them out.

Adam looked like a sumo wrestler too. His swelling was really bad the second day. We went home after 2 1/2 days in the hospital. I think Adam was so happy to be home (not have to hear the beeps in the hospital or have people poking on him) that he slept really, really well at home and then swelled up really bad from laying horizonally. After I saw how bad the swelling was, I started propping him up a bit and it seemed to help.

Hang in there...it will get better. There will be more challenges ahead, but you've tackled the toughest part.

Etinker

12-22-2010, 11:17 PM

GOod luck with everything. Maya pulled out 3 IVS and the worse experience for us was definitely getting another IV in. She had those wraps on both of her legs and both of arms with socks over them and that did not stop her! But once it was in we were in a better place. Also she got a little dose of Zofran to help her stomach and that was definitely a big help. Night 2 was definitely the roughest and it slowly got better.
Like everyone said - Hang in there. we are here to support you!
-Beth

Carmen77

12-22-2010, 11:22 PM

Oh poor little guy!! Mateo didn't drink juice until day 2, then formula day 3 not as much as normal but enough!! I hope he doesn't need another IV.. Mateo kicked off 2 IV's and yanked out the 3rd one.. that was interesting to say the least..

Its pretty rough to see your baby in pain, and not comfortable. But it gets better, just hang in there!!

Carmen77

12-22-2010, 11:22 PM

China

12-23-2010, 12:55 AM

I am so sorry you are going through all this. I know how scary it all is. My daughter Skye didn't eat for the first two days. It was very hard I was very scared. What I would do is give her 1 oz of formula every hour. She really didn't want to eat at all. She got very swollen. But about the 3rd day she started drinking 2 oz at a time. By the 4th day she was eating a whole lot better.
My son Patrick got very sick after surgery were he was throwing up and his fever wouldn't go down so the ran some test were it showed he had the H1N1!!!! I couldn't believe that I had taken my son in for major surgery and he had contacted H1N1 in the hospital I was a mess. But with proper treatment he was fine by the 5th day and we were discharged after The 6th day. Your little one is just not feeling too well with time he will be back to himself. Hope for a speedy recovery. Hang in there.

AJ's Mommy

12-23-2010, 01:01 AM

AJ didn't want to eat for a day and then not too much for a few days after. He also threw up alot. He blew out his IV's and eventually said he didn't need them since he was eating a bit. Also he didn't pee for awhile and they called it 3rd spacing. His whole body got puffy because the fluids that he was given were going into his tissues. He needed to pee. He finally went after they threatened to put a catheder back in:) That was on day 3 though. He threw up from day 2-6. He couldn't tollerate the oral tylenol with codeine! It tasted so bad that when he swallowed it down you would hear his tummy gurgle and it came right back up!
Im so sorry you are going thru this! It does get better though!! I promise!
Big hugs Summer! You are such a great momma and are doing amazing!!
~Shelby

G2sMama

12-23-2010, 01:08 AM

I don't have any experience with all that, but wanted you to know you're in my thoughts. Praying for things to get better.... and quickly!!!

SummerEhmann

12-23-2010, 01:19 AM

Wow thank you all for all the advice & reassurance of what we're going through is normal & will pass! So they did finally get a new IV in & the bandaged up with a splint type thing, wrap, tape, cloths, more tape.....I dont see it coming out. And he threw up really bad so they ordered Zofran. I'm hoping it helps his tummy & will want to eat soon. Going to get some rest. Thanks everyone!

jjmc123

12-23-2010, 05:10 AM

My son didn't drank only a couple ounces of expressed breastmilk and no solid food for all 5 days he was in the hospital. This was a kid who could drink 50-60 ounces of milk a day. When the nurses tried to switch him to oral meds, he would throw it up along with any milk we may have gotten in him. 3 yrs later, he still does this. We had to go the ER and he was trying to force himself to throw up the medicine. Remembering the surgery experience, the dr gave him teeny tiny amounts at a time and waited until it was fully swallowed before giving more. He would also pull at his IVs so I put one of my husband's socks over his arm. I had to constantly keep my eye on him to make sure he didn't pull it off (which he sometimes tried). He didn't poop until sometime after we were home. His swelling was the worst by the end of day 2. Then it very slowly improved.

Nezzy

12-23-2010, 09:34 AM

Poor little guy. This could all be the result of the anethesia and also the trauma of surgery. But they say the anethesia takes a while to get out of their systems. Nick puked a few times once we were home and that was nearly a week later. Hang in there. As long as he starts keeping liquids down don't worry too much about him eating solids. It takes a while. The Zofran should help. Please keep us posted.

BobbiJoe777

12-23-2010, 11:50 AM

Just checking in... Is Brentley eating yet?

SummerEhmann

12-23-2010, 01:41 PM

Yes, he's eating again! The got the IV in and gave him Zofran. Then at midnight he woke up screaming and we offered him the bottle and OMG he couldn't stop. He ate 8 oz! He's been eating regularly since then. YEA for Zofran! =) He did wake us up every 2 hours last night but we all got some sleep. The nurse came in today and said we could go home if we wanted but....I think we'll stay 1 more night. There's no rush to go home yet and i don't want to be home and he has another episode where he dosen't eat and he gets dehydrated again. But at least we get to go home tomorow! YEA! And then I asked about a safety helmet and she said they didn't think he needed one but my husband and I would feel a lot better if he had one for safety reasons. I have 2 small dogs and although my 2 yr old is gentle with him..it still makes me nervous. What are your suggestions? Should I push for a helmet for safety or should I just get bandages or nothing? His swelling has also gone down and both eyes are open. I'm shocked he doesn't have 2 black eyes especially since they worked so close to his left eye and worked on his eye socket. They never really even swelled shut. YEA

BobbiJoe777

12-23-2010, 01:52 PM

YAY! Im so happy it worked out okay!
Poor little hungry guy!

As far as the dogs... I understand your concern, I REALLY do! That being said, we brought Sam home to a house with 2 pit bulls and an English Bulldog... well over 150lbs of canine.. and no helmet!

The hardest thing was trying to stop them from licking her incision : ) But Im sure you'll do a fine job. You'll keep a great eye on him, and he'll be so much better so quickly, you'll be SHOCKED. I promise. I dont think you'll need the helmet. Or bandages.

I would stay the extra night though. That I agree 100%.

Again, it doesnt matter how many times you read, or are told, that they bounce back so quickly. You wont believe it until you see it. It will amaze you. You'll still be getting over it, and he'll be like "What surgery?"

He'll probably be MORE uncomfortable with a helmet, and you really wont need it.

Thanks for the great update!

Etinker

12-23-2010, 02:14 PM

So glad the Zofran helped - I used it during my pregnancy and Then Maya has had it for her surgeries as well. She actually gets it with the anesthesia because of my bad history with anesthesia. It has always been a huge help.
That being said, while it is hard to watch your child throw-up and not eat for what seems like forever - these kids are troopers and a few weeks later its like it never happened! Like Bobbi said these kids recover quickly and you won't believe you just went through such a traumatic experience.
-

Nezzy

12-23-2010, 02:19 PM

I LOVE Zofran. Took it the whole time I was prego.

I would not go with the safety helmet. He should be fine. I would not put anything on his precious little head.

Etinker

12-23-2010, 02:22 PM

Should we do a Zofran dance Heather??? It is such a miracle drug!

Sophia's_mom

12-23-2010, 02:25 PM

I'm so happy for you guys Summer! How wonderful that you'll be home in time for Christmas! I agree that I would not push for the helmet unless the docs think it's necessary.

Janet

12-23-2010, 02:28 PM

I agree about the helmet....Fiona started walking 2 weeks post op, I was following her around with pillows...she was fine, their little noggins are pretty tough.

SummerEhmann

12-23-2010, 03:17 PM

Awesome thanks all! Gosh you guys sure have helped my family through all this! HUGS to each one of you!!

Nezzy

12-23-2010, 03:42 PM

Should we do a Zofran dance Heather??? It is such a miracle drug!
:dancingdu

Amanda3796

12-23-2010, 03:47 PM

I agree - the hardest part with the dogs will be keeping them from licking the incision! Silly pups just wanna clean their babies. Our dog was so upset she couldn't clean Gabe up!

Brentley should be fine without the helmet. Gabe had a horrible habit of raising up his head and banging it down into my shoulder (around the time of surgery). I was SOO worried that he was going to hurt himself. The surgeons assured me that he would be fine. Sure enough, he banged away when we got home - and he was fine....just like they said (although I tried sooo hard to get him to NOT do that.)

I'm so glad you guys are going home soon and that he's eating well. YAY!!!

*jules*

12-23-2010, 03:50 PM

I'm really late jumping in here, but wanted to (1) welcome you to the other side! yay...you make it mama :), and (2) let you know that Brently is recovering normally. I know how hard it is to see them in that condition and about 12hrs after my sons surgery, I kept thinking, "OMG...what did I do to my baby". But it doesn't last long despite how it feels at the moment. It sounds like Brently is over the worst of it and it's amazing how theraputic just getting them home can be. Glad that you all be will home just in time for christmas :). Sending lots of prayers and healing vibes your way.

I also wouldn't do the protective helmet. I dropped a remote control on my son's forehead just a couple days after getting him home. Of course I freaked and called his surgeon, but there was nothing to worry about. They're heads are pretty durable, even after surgery :)

SummerEhmann

12-23-2010, 04:51 PM

I'm so much more relaxed. Thanks all! A little nervous to go home but so excited at the same time! =)

AJ's Mommy

12-23-2010, 05:48 PM

Hugs to you Summer!!!

fitmomof2ae

12-23-2010, 06:38 PM

I'm so glad he is eating and that you are going to be able to take your little gift home! What a great Christmas present!!!

Nezzy

12-23-2010, 09:33 PM

Don't be nervous to go home. He will thrive once home. You'll be shocked. Just be ready for some sleep issues. It's normal.

Etinker

12-23-2010, 10:13 PM

:dancingdu

he he. I love the Zofran Happy dance!

Etinker

12-23-2010, 10:15 PM

So glad you are less stressed now and Brentley is doing a bit better!
Considering this was such a rare cranio too I think you guys are truly blessed to be doing so well!

Lauren

12-24-2010, 05:42 AM

Matthew was cruising on furniture when he had his surgery. He hit his head on the wall not 30 minutes after we got home. We were right there and so tired that our reflexes just didn't get him in time. He was fine. Both of us cried. :uh

He will be fine! What a great Christmas present!!!

SummerEhmann

12-28-2010, 12:06 AM

I posted some pictures from the surgery on my profile and even a few from today. He's looking better everyday. I'm shocked that he didn't swell up even worse and had no black eye. His left eye socket was worked on...how did he not get a black eye? I'm so relieved. :yipee

Anyway...still having a rough time. He hates medicine and wants to be held or in my sight at all times practically. How long do I have to give him medicine? How long till he's not screaming in pain? What worked best for you guys? He hates the Ibruprofen and Tylenol doesn't seem to do much. I give Ibruprofen every 6 hrs or so and Tylenol when needed during the day and then the dreadful Oxycodone at night (as that seems to be the worst time for him). Tomorrow will be 1 week. I'm exhausted. :thudAny advice would be appreciated.

Amy K

12-28-2010, 12:59 AM

I would probably take him off all the meds...they can cause upset tummy themselves, especially the oxy. He shouldn't be in so much pain at one week post-op that he needs alot of meds, unless it's maybe an ear infection..? What lasts awhile longer than physical pain for our babies is emotional upset/trauma... It'll get better, day by day! Hang in there...you're doing great :)

Janet

12-28-2010, 05:53 AM

Fiona was only on tylenol a couple times a day once we got home. I don't think they are in any real pain....I think it's more anxiety.....their schedules are all messed up from being in the hospital. Just give lots of cuddles :hugg :hugg Things will get better.

BTW they sent us home with liquid codine, she had it one night and that was it, it bugged her tummy.

jjmc123

12-28-2010, 06:20 AM

Logan had separation anxiety too. Prior to surgery he was a social butterfly, afterwards he only wanted me. I had to be in his sight or holding him all the time. That lasted for a month until he had to go back to daycare and then quickly improved once he was back on his old routine. For the meds, I would think you could start cutting back on them. The anxiety of having all these meds forced in your mouth can really upset them. My son used to force himself to throw up.

BobbiJoe777

12-28-2010, 07:58 AM

I sent you a message, but STOP THE OXY!!!!!
That was the thing that did Sam in.... SCREAMING in terror after she would take it and fall asleep. I later learned it causes vivid dreams and nightmares in adults, so I can only assume thats what was going on with Sam too.
Youre soooo close, the worst is almost over.
Just hang in there.
If you feel you MUST continue meds for a few more days, just use the over the counter stuff, but based on your date (one week) you should be able to stop them.
GIANT HUGS to you.
In two weeks you'll look back at this... and wont be able to believe how different it is already.

SummerEhmann

12-28-2010, 09:52 AM

Wow I am so thankful for this site! The nurses didn't tell me unless I didn't hear. (Which is intirely possible). I will stop the Oxy and use Tylenol as a last resort. Thanks all!

Amanda3796

12-28-2010, 10:47 AM

Strong meds messed Gabe up too!! We had him only on Tylenol and Ibuprofin the last few days at the hospital. At home we weened it off. He cried (a lot due to the trauma and anxiety about what just happened) and we often gave tylenol at first thinking that was what he needed....it didn't take me long to see that the Ibuprofin/Tylenol wasn't helping probably because it wasn't why he was crying. Poor babies. Our one week mark was a turning point for us. Hopefully he starts feeling better for you soon.

Glad you're stopping the strong medication. That would have been my advice too. Hugs to you!! Hang in there -you're doing amazing!

*Jessica*

12-28-2010, 11:29 AM

Summer, he looks SO good in your pictures! Home just in time for Christmas, what a blessing.:heartbeat Congrats momma!

SummerEhmann

12-28-2010, 12:58 PM

Summer, he looks SO good in your pictures! Home just in time for Christmas, what a blessing.:heartbeat Congrats momma!

Thank you! =) I sure :heartbeat him to peices!

AJ's Mommy

12-28-2010, 01:11 PM

AJ was off the Oxy before he left the hospital. He was vomitting it. He was only on tylenol around day 6 and then nothing after that. He did so well. I didn't lay him flat for awhile since that was what seemed to upset him the most. Even changing his diaper I would do it proped up. It was much better.
Keep up the good work Momma!!

China

12-29-2010, 05:44 PM

We only gave our babies Tylenol for about 6 days after surgery then we stopped it. They were fine with just the tylenol..Hope for a speedy recovery. Hang in there..

SummerEhmann

12-29-2010, 06:55 PM

So we stopped the Oxy and Ibruprofen and only use Tylenol when he seems like nothing else is helping (feeding, diaper change, burp, cuddle). But he still seems like he acts in pain alot. I try to breastfeed and he arches his back really bad in my arms and cries. We had a REALLY bad night last night. He woke up crying ever 1.5-2 hrs. I'm so tired. During the day, he's not too bad...just needy. But at night it's a whole new nightmare. We go to our ped tomorrow for a checkup and 6-mo shots. =( My mom and sister keep telling me to not get his shots done tomorrow. What do you all think? Do you think it's safe and humane after all this? I was thinking of maybe doing 1/2 shots tomorrow and the rest next week when I have to take my 2-yr old in for her shots. What do you all suggest?

Sam Y

12-29-2010, 07:05 PM

I would see what the doctor says when you are there. I would prefer to get all the shots done in one rather than split into 2 but would probably get them done when he is feeling a little more comfortable.

Braydon'sMommy

12-29-2010, 07:05 PM

I still plan on getting Braydon's shots done at the end of January. Depending on the answers you get I might have to hold off too. I'm sure if your Ped doesn't think he's ready for shots they won't give it to him.

SummerEhmann

12-29-2010, 07:26 PM

My sister seems to think the doctors really don't care and just care about giving shots. aghh I've been hearing the "autism" scare now for 2 years straight from my mom & sister. So you guys don't think breaking them up would matter? Oh and the nurse from the hospital called at 4:59 and of course I missed the call and when I called back at 5:00 the answering service picked up. :hissyfit

jjmc123

12-29-2010, 07:31 PM

My son was like yours, fine during the day, just needy and with separation anxiety, and then night time was a nightmare. We gave him tylenol & motrin together. My son is like this though for all illnesses/traumas. For example, he broke his leg at 14 months. During the day he would act completely normal, then at night it was a living hell. I didn't sleep for weeks. Maybe it's just how some kids react?

For shots, I would ask your dr's opinion. I wouldn't think the shots would make things worse and I would probably go ahead and do them if it was my kid (granted the dr ok'd it), but if you're really concerned, delaying them a few days/weeks can't hurt.

Sam Y

12-29-2010, 07:36 PM

No I dont think it would, what shots is he getting? I know you guys get some different to here in the UK. The only one here linked to Autism is the MMR which our babes have at 13m-ish.
I just think if its in 2 lots, thats 2 lots of possible high temps and 2 days where he is grouchy from being poked when he is already feeling sorry for himself.

And also going back to the being in pain, I dont think it would hurt to try him with pain meds for another 24 hours and see if he reacts differently. If he does you know he is in pain if not I would expect he has some anxiety and is going through the motions of learning how to get back to your happy little boy. You could even try leaving it a little longer between doses say an extra hour then you did the time before, almost like weaning him off I guess. If you get to say 8 hours but he cant go 9 stick at that for a couple of doses then try again.

Good luck with what you decide. I am really not looking forward to Aaron being post-op, its gonna be so tough.

Carmen77

12-29-2010, 07:55 PM

I'm so sorry Bentley is having such a rough time!! Mateo was the same way, was always crying very clingy, the night was worse. The restless nights lasted about 6 wks.. so hang in there!! He is 4mths post op and can't stand being in the dark!

It breaks my heart to think that my child is terrorized buy his surgery!! We left the hospital and he was no longer on coddeine just regular tylenol, but only gave it to him that first night, like the ladies said it might just be anxiety not so much pain! Or at least I would pray that he's not in pain!

As far as shots, Mateo had his shots 2 wks after and he seemed fine, I went to the appt very adiment (sp?) That he was not getting them, but the Dr said that there was no reason for him not get them.

Good luck Summer! Hang in there momma!! You are doing a terrific job!

SummerEhmann

12-29-2010, 08:05 PM

Thanks mommas! I'll get through this. He has always been a very quiet easy baby so this is tough to watch. I'm dreading tonight but I hope its not a bad night. I FINALLY got him down for a second nap after he wouldn't breastfeed so I pumped and he would drink out of the bottle. He fell asleep and then 25 minutes later my annoying white schnoodle barked at a gust of wind and now he's up. GRRRR I have a love hate relationship with that dog.

Carmen77

12-29-2010, 08:29 PM

Good luck tonight!!

fitmomof2ae

12-29-2010, 08:53 PM

I hope tonight goes better! We were on tylenol and ibruprofen when we left the hospital. We were only in the hospital for 2 days total.

I would ask the Dr about the shots. Hang in there, I know it is tough.

AJ's Mommy

12-30-2010, 12:37 AM

Good luck tonight Summer!

China

12-30-2010, 12:15 PM

I would ask the surgeon if I were you regarding the shots. I was advise not to do shots for at least 6 months after surgery. I understand your Mom & sister's concern on the autism issue. My 9 yr old has autism. He did develop normal until his 1 yr old shots where he went backwards after the shots. But that doesn't happen to every child. What I do I spread out the shots. I don't do all in one visit. My ped. is OK with me doing that. So even if I do have a child with autism I still do give my children vaccines, they do need it to avoid diseases. What I did I gave my babies all their shots before surgery and just waited about 6 months after for the rest of the shots. They were just fine.

Lauren

12-30-2010, 12:21 PM

Some shots you can't have if you had a blood transfusion within the past 6 months. I would make sure you discuss them with your doctor and ask that specifically.

We moved right before Matthew's surgery and had a new pedi. He was supposed to get the chicken pox shot on his first birthday but when I glanced at the info sheet they gave us I saw that people with recent transfusions should not have it.

Shar

12-30-2010, 12:31 PM

SummerEhmann

12-30-2010, 12:31 PM

I think they can't have live virus shots after a blood transfusion but he's not having any of those until he's 1 yrs old and he's only 6 months. According to this paper it says he's due for his DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Pheumococcal & Rotavirus. I think the autism scare is with the MMR shot right? So I should be good right? And none of these are live virus shots so I think he's ok with the blood transfusion. I'm going to call the surgeons now though and ask.

SummerEhmann

12-30-2010, 12:34 PM

:yeahthat To China

My opinion is that if you feel you might have a family connection to possibly being predisposed to autism or autistic behaviors, do not do the shots now. Let his little system heal before adding more stressors to it. I've learned the hard way, gone ahead with shots when I should have waited. Everyone's okay, but now I can see that my kids need to be on the "slow boat" as far as shots go, so that's what we do. There's really no need to rush, unless you're going to be traveling or spending a lot of time in crowded public places.

Noone on either side of the family has autism. My 2-yr old has had all her regular shots on schedule and is definately not autistic. I guess I'm just a little more concerned with my son because autism is more prevalent in boys than girls. aghh :sigh

*Jessica*

12-30-2010, 12:36 PM

It's a good idea to ask your doctor. :heartbeat

Shar

12-30-2010, 12:44 PM

For me, my dh has sensory issues. If you can look at members of your family (aunts and uncles, cousins, etc) and there's a few "quirky" ones, then wait. Nothing wrong with being quirky, btw, most of the people I love the most are quirky :o)

Shar

12-30-2010, 12:46 PM

How's he feeling today, Summer? Did he sleep better?

SummerEhmann

12-30-2010, 12:56 PM

We have a couple of horses#$@ in the family does that count?? haha j/k

So Brentley did "better" last night. He still woke me up crying every 2 hours to nurse. But at least nursing put him back to sleep. I've even tried letting him cry it out for a few minutes before rushing in there but it's not working. I guess I'll just baby him for a month or so until I know it's not crying in pain and then I'll try sleep training again. lol

Shar

12-30-2010, 01:11 PM

:hugg

I've heard the girls say that sometimes it's like having a newborn again. :pray

SummerEhmann

12-30-2010, 01:23 PM

Totally! lol

Amanda3796

01-01-2011, 11:56 PM

Oh yeah - definitely like having a newborn again!! It will get better soon though. I actually held off sleep training until after surgery. Gabe started sleeping through the night about a month after surgery. It sounds like a long time but it got better every week until we were "on schedule".

I hope you get rest soon. I'm so glad he's doing well though - the pictures look incredible. You documented your journey so beautifully with your pictures.

SummerEhmann

01-02-2011, 12:16 AM

He's been getting better each night. He's done a couple of 6 & 7 hour stretches for me so I see us getting back to the 10-12 hr stretches soon! :pray His incision is also starting to scab and fall off so I've been washing his head everyday and putting Mederma for Kids on it as much as possible. I have bald babies so it'll be awhile till his hair will cover it I'm sure. I had 2 kids ask what happened to him last night and my dh made up a grizzly bear story, which they didn't buy. I guess I'll have to get used to that. It's funny how kids have no problem asking but grown ups just pretend it's not there. :shiftyeyes lol

AJ's Mommy

01-02-2011, 11:59 AM

I know!! I had a lady ask me if AJ had a "bad fall"?? Um Yeah and he ended up with a perfect zig zag cut?? AJ never wanted to wear a hat so his incision scar was very visable for a few months till his hair grew back.

SummerEhmann

01-03-2011, 04:07 PM

AGHH I'm sooo mad at myself right now. I was sitting at the computer buying a plane ticket for my neice to come help me with the kids for a few weeks and Brentley was playing next to me in his walker. Well I stood up to get something and my stupid cell phone slipped and landed right on the top of his head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGHHH He started screaming and crying. I wanted to just die. I'm so mad at myself! What are the chances that it had to hit him right on the top of his head???? He stopped crying after cuddling him and there doesn't seem to be any new bump or redness but I feel just awful. Aghh

fitmomof2ae

01-03-2011, 04:15 PM

Oh no, I think that happens to many of us. When I try to be extra careful, something goes wrong. ;_)

He should be ok. You'll have to give him extra hugs and kisses.

SummerEhmann

01-03-2011, 04:22 PM

Isn't that always the case. You know whenever someone has a major boo-boo you always seem to hit it? Like my fater in law crashed while skiing and he hurt his shoulder and of course the 1st time I see him I run up and squeeze his shoulder! GEEZ. Well Brentley still seems fine and is playing..just felt like the worse mother ever.

Carmen77

01-03-2011, 04:42 PM

I'm sure he's fine! Sorry you had a bad mommy moment!! I'm sure he'll forgive you! ;)

jjmc123

01-03-2011, 06:25 PM

He was bound to bump it on something eventually, I'm sure he'll be fine. My son cut his scar his 1st day back at daycare. It was his first ever incident there. I got the call at work and did everything I could to not cry and run out the door to get him. It's so hard not to worry about them post-op, but they are so strong.