Was this normal for the first night post-op?

[sweetadeline]

So, it's been just over 1 week since Adeline's CVR for sagittal stenois, and she is doing great! But I just have to vent that I am soooo upset that they could not control her pain/combativeness those first 12 hours after the anesthesia wore off. Both surgeons commented on how they were surprised that Adeline had so much pressure, and we were told more pressure usually meant a harder recovery as the brain relaxes and adjusts to its new home. She was just under 7 months when the surgery occurred - I don't want to think about how bad it would have been if they would have waited longer.
But why on earth would they let her (and me) go through all of that trauma? Couldn't it have been prevented? Heck, they should have put her in a medically induced coma. I asked for restraints, but they said they couldn't do that.
This was my blog entry after that night:
http://sweetadelinecranio.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-will-praise-you-in-this-storm.html?spref=fb
What do you guys think? Is this normal?
Thanks.

[Nezzy]

No, that is not "normal". I would think they could have given her a sedative like Ativan to calm her down. I'd be upset too. However, it is in the past and you can't do anything about it now. Try not to dwell on it.

[*Jessica*]

I am with Heather. You can be upset and go from there, but don't beat yourself up over what could have been...you will just torture yourself. Hugs momma! :heartbeat It was a rought road, but you are on the other side!!!

[torichan]

Emiko went through the same recovery trauma. Her doctors were trying though to help her. They gave her morphine every hour, roxicet every 4, attivan (spelling? it's the sedative/amnesia drug befor surgery) and attivan...it all did NOTHING! Her heart rate was 235, pulse ox 82! It was awful. I had to lie in bed with her and restrain her. I don't know why it had to be so awful for you and for me...

[Carmen77]

I'm so sorry you too went through that! I guess all our kiddos are very different and there recoveries! I can't imagine having to go through that!

Like the ladies have said, please don't beat yourself over it.. it all behind you guys! Enjoy your kiddos! I know its easier said than done!

[*jules*]

so sorry Adeline's recovery was so traumatic that first night. my post-op experience was nothing like that so I don't have any advice, but I do agree that it's in the past and it'll do you no good to dwell on it. try to move on and enjoy being on the other side. hugs.

[Janet]

Fiona's time in the hospital was different as well. She only cried when the nurses checked her vitals. But I understand that you are upset, take as long as you need to get it out...I would be super upset as well. :hugg :hugg

I'm glad that things are looking up.

[AJ's Mommy]

Im so sorry. Another momma I helped had a rough first night as well. Unfortunately it does happen:( I wish it didn't happen to you and that they could have done more!! I would be so upset. You have every right to be upset. The surgery is hard enough on us and them.
Im glad she's better now. Try and focus on that:)

[BrendansMummy]

That must have been so tough, i feel so lucky that we didnt have to experience that :( Im sorry your babies had to be in so much pain :hugg

[sweetadeline]

I know, I'm trying not to dwell. But I just wanted to know. And I also want to know if there is anything that hospitals/doctors/nurses can do in a situation like this so that it doesn't have to keep happening. I have worked in healthcare for 15 years, and I just can't believe that there isn't something that could at least lessen the combativeness and pain.

[evergreenmom]

Several people mentioned ativan- some docs give it post op as part of their normal protocol since it relieves anxiety which even young babies can feel post op.

I am sorry your little one had such a rough time and I'm glad she's doing better now.

[Jenniferamoore2002]

My son had surgery twice and we had the same issues both times. The first time he was 6 months old and they pumped him so full of morphine, he stopped breathing. The second time, (he was 2 years old) they tried everything, but nothing helped. I had to be in the bed with him and restrain him for hours....until he wore himself out. I was very frustrated as well and couldn't understand how they weren't able to do anything.

[fitmomof2ae]

We went through this when they tried to sedate my son for a ct scan. Needless to say, we use anesthesia now. As far assurgery recovery, we did not have any issues. My son was vomitting, pulling at the iv's because they were uncomfortable and scared, but didn't show any signs of pain.

[sweetadeline]

We had a follow up appointment with the neurosurgeon's office and I asked about the "bad night". The physician's assistant said that Adeline most likely had the problems she did because of all of the intercranial pressure and because of a reaction to anesthesia. She said that it is rare to have such a reaction, but it does happen, and especially when there is so much pressure prior to surgery. So, I am grateful that they were able to do the surgery when they did. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if we would have waited any longer. Before surgery she was inconsolable - even with holding her, trying to feed her, etc. Adeline is soooo happy now. (Although she is spoiled rotten!)

[Etinker]

Hi Trish,
That definitely isn't normal. I know Maya has a very hard time waking up from anesthesia and we have learned from those experiences. This latest time they tried to keep her under longer using propoful (sp?) and it worked fairly well. I certainly hope Adeline never needs to go under again but if she does it would be worth recording all this and coming up with a plan to keep it from happening again. Every person is different and Drs can't always anticipate how someone will react but now you have more information you can arm yourself with if there is a next time.
Less Morphine sounds important. I know now that Maya was itching like crazy from hers which caused her to get both IVs out. They gave it to Maya because she woke too soon and they wanted her to stay asleep a bit longer.

Good luck with recovery - I hope it goes much smoother - you deserve it!
-Beth