Mila's Adenoidectomy + Ear Tube Surgery

Today Mila had her adenoids taken out and her right ear tube replaced. The goal of this surgery is to hopefully decrease the number of infections that she gets from excessive fluid build up in her ears. The tonsils really need to come out too but it's not recommended under 2 years of age. Here's how it went down.

Last time we had her ear tube surgery, it was scheduled for 11:00 am.....way too long for a baby to go without food (no food past midnight). So this time, I told them I would cancel the surgery if it was scheduled that late. So, they called on Thursday saying we should arrive at 10 am and surgery was at 11 am.....I said forget it - I want to cancel. I almost lost it....how do they expect a baby to go that long without food? So- I called her doctor to cancel and they said they could squeeze us into their own surgery center and waive the out of network costs that I would incur since my insurance would only pay 65%. Why didn't they just offer this from the beginning? I I am glad I held my ground and was just thankful to be able to go through with it.

Last night- I kept her up until almost 8 pm (she usually goes to bed between 6-6:30) - hoping that she would sleep in until right before we had to leave. Nope. Mila does not sleep in. So- I had a tired and hungry girl on my hands. But- she did amazingly well. Never signed "eat" or "milk" which I was expecting as I usually feed her right after we get up.

We were at the ENT surgery by 7:15 am to fill out paperwork and her surgery was scheduled for 8:15 am. I am a strong/independent person.....heck- I chose to be a single mom but- I would advise anyone who has to take a young kid into surgery to have someone there with you. A friend of mine was with me and entertained her as I filled out the various forms and she ran all over the waiting room. A huge help!

The surgeon came and asked if I had any questions. Then the anesthesiologist came in who was very nice. She let Mila play with the gas mask prior to going back in the room so she would get used to it. Mila ended up chewing on it and seemed very fond of this new piece of plastic she was given. Then the anesthesiologist asked if I wanted to be in the room to comfort her as they put the gas mask over her. Of course! It was hard. I fought back tears the whole time but she did great and only wimpered a bit and was out in less than a two minutes. They said "she did great and you did too." I said thanks and cried all the way back to the waiting room.

She was back in the surgery room for only about 20 minutes before the surgeon came out and said everything had gone really well. Her right ear tube was basically about to fall out so he replaced it...the left one looked fine. He said her adenoids were big and it was a good decision to take them out. I think only time will tell in terms of whether we have less ear infections....I hope so.

After surgery I could hear her crying (screaming actually) in the recovery room. It's typical for young kids to kind of be hysterical when coming out of anesthesia. But as it went on, I asked the nurse if I could go back......I told her she would do better if I were with her. They said not yet and it was really hard. The minutes seemed like hours but when they finally let me back, there was a nurse trying to feed her. I sort of just took the sippy cup from her hand, picked Mila up and took over. Granted, she still screamed for quite awhile even in my arms but it felt so much better to be able to hold and try to comfort her.

I brought her home within an hour after her surgery. She was groggy but did okay on the way home. Although she had milk post surgery, she didn't drink very much. I immediately tried to feed her some soft foods and she ate a ton (yogurt, cheeries, soggy cheerios). I think she was starving.

Waiting in the small room......if you ever have to do surgery....bring lots of toys!

Mila with her cassette player

Cute smile from a girl that's hungry and tired

Last time the gown was too small....this time - too big. She didn't seem to mind wearing it though.

Mila's favorite pre-surgery toy? Well it's not really a toy but- it's bubbles. She loves them.

Post surgery......lovin my pug

Mama trying to cheer up Mila

I don't know how people do it who have kids with chronic medical conditions/need multiple surgeries. Perhaps you get used to i? It really wears on you emotionally. I do have to say these times bring out the "mama bear" in me and remind me how deeply connected I am to this sweet girl who I adopted. I could not love her anymore......she's just the love of my life!