Caroline, the Patient

On Thursday, May 16, Caroline got tubes put back in and her tonsils & adenoids removed.  Dr. Sutton preformed the procedure and we couldn't be happier.  We had this done for the normal reasons - interrupted sleep, continued ear infections - but also, her tonsils were ALWAYS swollen.  Like, almost touching even when healthy. We needed to get those outta there!!

Caroline was a good sport.  We weren't too forthcoming with her about what was going to happen.  But, how do you explain surgery to an impressionable, new 4 year old?  We told her that Dr. Sutton was going to look around in her throat and that it might hurt afterwards, but that's about it.  Right or wrong? Who knows.

I would also like to thank the anesthesiologist that was trying to be **cute** and told Caroline that they were going to go look for Sponge Bob down the hall.  One week later, and we're still talking about the fact that she never found him.  (Also, the first words she spoke after surgery was on the potty "Mommy, I didn't see Sponge Bob yet.")

After being there for an hour and a having to deal with a very hungry little girl, they gave her some silly juice (Versed)...and boy was that hilarious.  We got some really cute videos but are too afraid to share. What if we become the next David After The Dentist?  

The surgery itself didn't last long.  I think within the half hour, I was back in recovery holding my still-out-of-it, emotional, pitiful little girl.  If I had known that recovery was going to look like that, I probably would have sent Wally back instead.  

A side note: most children that need tonsils & adenoids removed snore at night.  For whatever reason, Caroline is not a snorer.  But, funny enough, back in post-op she was sawing logs like a champ.  Oh lordy - I hope this doesn't turn her INTO a snorer!

Caroline has had her good moments and her bad moments.  At one moment, she will be running circles around the house, bossing her little sister around and being her sassy, stubborn self.  But, in an instant, I will catch her with tears pouring down her sweet face because of the pain in her throat.  We are still on pain meds a week later, but I switch it up between the heavy-duty prescription & OTC meds.  Morning time and after nap seem to be the worst.  

And because I love to do comparison pictures... The picture on the left was taken in February 2010 (10 months old) the first time she had tubes put in.  The picture on the right was taken in May 2013 (4 years, 1 month old).  Same fat, rosy cheeks.  Same beautiful smile.  Different head of hair.  Totally different. 

Caroline has recently turned into my little snuggle bug.  It took almost 4 years.  But, I finally did it!  (Well, I appreciate the independent sleeper more, I think...)  Anyways, Thursday at home after the surgery I sure did enjoy the lounging around with my perfect little patient.