Updated version of Fixin' Z's Ears

***UPDATED!

Today is the big day of Zachary's ear tube insertion surgery. I know for some parents they would be worried sick about this but Kevin and I are excited. Not that we want our child to go under anesthesia but we are anticipating a well two year old. Since December 17 we have had 7 ear infections...yep that is right we have had one a month, except for the month of April. You can read about it here. It seems that it was a continual cycle. Every three weeks a new infection would occur. Our ENT thinks it is 100% Zachary's ear anatomy and that it would probably be another year or two before it would correct itself. So here we are. Because Z has seen the pediatrician and ENT so much (for every infection and then 10 day post antibiotic re-check) he LOVES going to the doctor. The word LOVES in that sentence is an understatement. He knows Dr. Gravitt's name, where his office is, and what floor the office is located. He also knows where Dr. Fenwick's office is and what prizes he will get when he is done. Because he loves his doctors so much we have not made a big deal out of this outpatient surgery. We have informed Zachary that he is getting his ears fixed and that we are going to see Dr. Fenwick. He is pumped. Of course, Kevin and I are praying for a quick and safe surgery and recovery but we feel this is the best option for Zachary.

****Sorry about not updating sooner. But we have been busy! Today could not have been more perfect. Z was in a great mood upon arriving to Same Day Surgery. We registered and then Z got his ID bracelet. He FLIPPED out! My mom and I looked at each other like "OH NO, THIS IS NOT A GOOD SIGN". However after this melt down he was EXCELLENT.

Z with the nurse getting his vitals taken. See he is excited!

Putting on the circus hospital gown

Zachary in the wagon with Buzz and Woody. (photo from iphone sorry its so small)

They let one parent take the child back while they use mask anesthesia to sedate him. We both decided it was best if Kevin went back. I did not know if I wanted to watch. Once Z was asleep, Kevin returned to the room and within 10 minutes Dr. Fenwick was telling us how well Z did. Dr. Fenwick told us that Z definately needed the surgery because he had fluid and inflammation behind both eardrums. He said that Z was working on another ear infection. Geez! Hopefully these tubes do the trick!

Kevin getting suited up to take Zachary back for surgery

Kevin taking Zachary back...he wanted to be carried. Also notice the gown is off. He said it itched. I agree it was made of a "burlap-type" fabric. The doctors thought it was funny he wanted to go in his underoos.


Coming back from recovery. He was super funny!



After recovery, Kevin headed back to the office. My mom took Z and I to Walgreens and then home. She was so sweet to stay with us all day to make sure he was doing well. Funny story...when we got home. Z insisted on walking himself in. So we put him down in the driveway to walk. He walked 2 steps with his Sonic Slush and sat down. He said, "Okay mom thats enough". Meaning he was not going anywhere else and he did not want to walk. He was walking like a drunken sailor. After about two hours Z was able to eat, play, and carry-on like a normal 2.5 year old. Kevin came home from lunch and brought a wonderful surprise. It was a surprise present from the wonderful girls at Austin Orthodontics. Z named him Fenwick after his ENT. Isn't this sweet!