I’ll be back

Sorry for the lack of posts for, well, nearly all of June. We had two weeks back-to-back of visitors, followed by a week of VBS. All of that activity gave me plenty to blog about, unfortunately I have been particularly low in energy. I’ve been dealing with jaw issues since Belle was 2-started with popping when I opened my mouth wide. It was generally more of an annoyance than anything else, so I hadn’t done much about it. Unfortunately, this month it has become a daily problem. Pain that begins in my jaw, radiates to my ear, down my neck, and up that side of my face. Quite frankly, it exhausts me. Alas, I’m headed to the doctor on Thursday to see what we can do about it. Advil really does nothing for it, though perhaps just two aren’t enough. I don’t grind my teeth, though I very well may clench my jaw at night. I suppose my body will release some of this stress one way or another!
Anyhow, by the time I’ve gotten the kids in bed, I rarely have enough energy to string together full sentences, much less write coherently. I’m praying I can get this resolved in the near future, as I’m really quite over it. Don’t give up on me yet!

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On the mend

The surgery went well yesterday. The anesthesiologists were able to use a method that involved no narcotic. That makes for much smoother wake-up and much less nausea! LB did wonderfully. He was so brave and the staff treated us so well. The attending even performed the surgery himself-a terrific act of goodwill if you ask me!
You’d hardly know LB even had surgery yesterday, except I keep saying “No running! And no jumping!” every time he moves. He’s just the sort of kid who happily darts and bounces about the house, but I’d like to continue this nice recovery and not back track if at all possible.
J and I have a dinner to attend tonight, so we’ve hired a babysitter for the second time in the three years we’ve lived here. I’m going about the house, making my list of everything I need to do/clean before we can go. In fact, I’d better go and tackle that list right now!

Fixing LB

It was at Little Bear’s six month well baby check that I learned he had an ear infection the first time. “Has he been fussy?” the doctor asked. “Has he been pulling at his ear?” “No” I said, shaking my head. I was in complete disbelief that anything was wrong with happy little baby. Fast forward 4 years almost exactly and we’re still fighting with his little ears. Ideally, that fight will be won tomorrow. My sweet boy will be having his adenoids removed tomorrow and quite possibly have his second set of tubes put in place.
His first surgery, at 15 months of age, was simple. They don’t even intubate them because the surgery is so quick. When they took LB back for surgery, J left to take Belle to preschool just a few miles away. I was with LB in the recovery room when J returned, that’s how fast it is.
This surgery, though still “minor”, is slightly more involved. He will have to be intubated. He will be given stronger anesthetic medications. He’s of an age that has a higher incidence of post-op night terrors (I’m sure there’s a technical term for it, but I’d just have to explain it anyway.) This surgery carries with it an increased chance of post op nausea/vomiting.
All in all, I really, really want my little boy’s ears fixed. I’m tired of worrying over every runny nose, waiting for him to wake in the night crying in pain. I’ve spent far too much time fretting about his hearing, fearful of permanent damage. So when the doctor asked if we wanted to try one more last ditch conservative (3 month) treatment or move on with surgery, J and I both agreed we were ready for surgery. And then, as schedules were being considered, and papers were being signed, it hit me. I just signed my baby boy up for real deal surgery.
And so, tomorrow morning, should you find yourself with a quiet moment, please offer up a prayer for my little guy. And maybe you could say one for his mama too.