Brooklyn's First Surgery

Poor Brooklyn had been suffering from bilateral fluid build up and ear infections almost every week for about two months now. When we saw her doctor two and a half weeks ago, she suggested that we retest her hearing; I got her in right away and she failed. Her doctor then told us to see a pediatric ENT. I made the appointment (at this clinic, you see the nurse practitioner to screen for all surgeries) and of course, we were told that she needed ear tubes. She also mentioned that Brooklyn might be a good candidate for her adenoids to be taken out at the same time. I pushed the clinic really hard, to please, please, please work her in for her surgery. The girl has been on antibiotics straight for two months. We were also very concerned about her speech. She began talking at about a year and at 13 months she stopped. We were also wondering if her balance was affected. She was very tipsy and would fall while walking. Well the scheduler did a great job and yesterday morning was the big day.

We woke at 5:30 am, and gave Brooklyn a full bottle. We needed to stop all liquids by 6. We got Maya off to school and then headed to the Children's hospital. We checked in a 8:00 and not too long after, we were called back to the short stay unit. After she got her vitals sign taken, she was busy playing with toys. She did lots of exploring of the unit. We were told that surgery would start between 9-10am. Around 9:30 is when we met with the anesthesiologist, the resident and the doctor. The doctor examined her and told us that Brooklyn had fluid in one ear and an infection in the other. We were so confused! How can she have an infection when she is still on antibiotics from her last ear infection? The doctor was wondering the same thing. She told us that she just wanted to do the tubes and NOT take her adenoids. (She said that the NP gave us the incorrect information and that normally adenoids are removed around age 4-5 if they have to be removed at all). We agreed on just tubes. By this point, Brooklyn was mad. It was probably a combination of being hungry, thirsty and tired. The doctor then excused herself so that she could go change and said she would meet up with us again when surgery was over. It wasn't long before one of the nurses brought some "special juice" to Brooklyn to relax her. (It was a mixture of Versed and Tylenol). We immediately changed Brooklyn's diaper and put her into her fancy hospital gown. Brooklyn was SO funny during this time. She was trying to stick her head through the bars of the crib, running back and forth around the crib, and making strange faces and noises. Within 10 minutes, the juice had done its job; Brooklyn was calm and groggy. At 10:15am, a team and nurses and anesthesiologists came to get Brooklyn. We walked with them to the surgery doors and said our good byes. Stewart and I gave each other a hug and kiss and proceeded to walk back to our "spot." I was so thirsty, I went upstairs to get a drink. I came back down and pulled out my magazine. At 10:30, the surgeon came over and told us it was done and that it went perfectly. We were so amazed that it only took 15 minutes. We knew that it was quick, but that was REALLY quick. The doctor told us that Brooklyn had so much "icky infection and fluid in both ears that they refer to kiddos like this "glue ears." She told us that this had been going on for many months; like 4-8 months. She said that there was NO way that antibiotics would have been able to penetrate all the "icky and fluid." That is why week after week, she was on antibiotics. She said that she was able to suction out all the "icky" stuff and the tubes went in well. She said that her walking will improve and there shouldn't be a balance problem anymore. Brooklyn should start to talk a lot; we will give it 30 days and if speech therapy is necessary, we will start that. Stewart and I were relieved! Stewart then heading off to work and I waited to reconnect with B. About 30 minutes later, her nurse carried her over to me and said that she was still a bit groggy, but good. Within a few minutes, B went hysterical. She was throwing her body around and screaming. The nurse came over and said that sometimes, kids have a hard time coming off of anesthesia. I got her a bit calmed down when the nurse brought me some apple juice to give her. That was the golden ticket...Brooklyn was starving! She gulped down 22 oz of apple juice and returned to her happy self. By the time, I got her dressed, got her discharge papers and her ear drops it was about 11:45. We said our goodbyes and went home.

Here are some memorable pictures of our day:

Oh, I forgot to mention that it was snowing. It was too warm for much to accumulate, but it was pretty while it lasted.

Having her vitals taken.

Playing with the toys out in the waiting area.

Her favorite toy! Just look at the concentration on her face.

Having a little fun on the rocking chair. Not the best option, but it kept her quiet and content.

One of our favorite pictures!

It was getting hard to keep her happy. She was beginning to lose it.

Finally, I found some matchbox cars to keep her occupied for awhile. It soon became a game to see how far she could push them off her crib.

Sitting pretty in her gorgeous gown. Waiting for her "special juice" to kick in.

The "special juice" kicked in. She was feeling very groggy.

Gulping down the last of the 22oz of apple juice after surgery.

Sweet girl taking her nap at home.

Brooklyn's first night with "new ears." That night was the first night in months, that she didn't cry herself to sleep. She went down so easy! Hopefully this is the start of something new.

Her first full day after surgery went great. She is babbling A LOT and is so happy. She is walking without falling, and is dancing up a storm. We are so grateful that the surgery went well. We have a follow up hearing test in two weeks and we are hoping for perfect hearing. I will keep you posted.