Tough Kids

It's been a busy medical year for our family. John, in particular, has had more than his share of doctor and hospital visits. We started off in early March with a small surgical procedure to probe his tear duct, which has been clogged his whole life. The doctor who performed the procedure was able to get through the membrane blocking his lower duct, but not his upper duct. Here is John in the surgery center waiting room before the procedure.

Here he is snuggling a lion/bear stuffed animal that they gave him. He was nervous, but so sweet. He allowed the anesthesiologist to carry him back to the operating room. This first procedure was quick (10 minutes), so he only had to be put to sleep using gas. 

Just a week after John's eye surgery, we were having Family Home Evening, and John was being his rambunctious self, running laps around the room. (We're still working to teach reverence to this active fellow). He tripped by the fireplace and had a most unfortunate fall that sliced the back of his ear open. Adam and I took him to the local Urgent Care, hoping to avoid the long wait that is inevitable with any trip to the ER. Three LONG hours later, John had 4 stitches in the back of his ear. He was really good for a long time, but since it was 10:30 when he finally got stitches (WAY past bedtime), those were some tough moments.

Back at home, he was happy to consume a popsicle show off his padded ear to Grandpa, who waited with the kiddos while we were attending to John. 

John's June included an Urgent Care visit to get what turned out to be a dislocated elbow popped back into place.

Come July, we were back at Reston Surgery Center for a second procedure on John's eye. The scar tissue in his tear duct had sealed the passageway shut, so we were referred to a specialist for a more involved procedure in which a tube is placed in the upper and lower duct, holding it open while the scar tissue heals around it. The official procedure name is "Right Balloon Catheter Dacryoplasty." Before placing the tube, they enlarge the duct using a balloon catheter, similar to what might be done for a blocked artery. John was happy to see the toys in the lobby, but he remembered being here before and was less than thrilled to go back to the OR. 

Since this was a longer procedure, John was first put to sleep with gas and then they placed an IV. Dr. Malone, the surgeon, discovered a false passage near the upper duct but was able to locate and clear the true passage. It took John a long time to wake up. John was looking at pictures with me yesterday while I was organizing them in iphoto, and when he saw this one he said, "Nigh-nigh...Owie." That about sums it up, Buddy. He was super snuggly when he woke up and a bit agitated. The anesthesia made him nauseous on the way home, but within a few hours he was back to his rough and tumble self. Thanks go to Grammy for watching Spencer and Emma so Adam and I could be with John. 

If you look closely, you can see the loop of tube that will remain in place for six months. John's eye has never been clearer. No more goopy eye! We are thrilled that the procedure was successful. 

Not to be left behind, Spencer had a run-in on the playground right before we were headed to Williamsburg for a family vacation. Turns out a park maze is not the best place to play tag. Two heads collided when they came in contact around a blind corner, and Spencer walked away with a split cheek and a black eye. 

He was a champ. No tears, and he never complained about the swelling that showed up the next morning, although he was protective of the injured side of his face. Spencer has had his fare share of stitches (split chin, split eyebrow, gash above the eyebrow), so we were glad that this injury was pretty minor.

While in Williamsburg, Emma took a fall that left her leg with a large scrape. No pictures to document because she becomes very sensitive about anyone looking at her injuries. One good thing has come of this; we have had a lot of opportunity to talk about how wonderful it is that the bodies Heavenly Father gave us know how to heal. I explained to her the role of white blood cells and platelets, and she has come up with a coping conversation for any time she gets hurt. We talk about the "little doctors" coming to the rescue anytime our bodies get hurt. She likes to add that they are carrying their "suitcases" with all the necessary medical supplies. It's a humorous image and has brought her from hysteria at the sight of the slightest dot of blood to laughter while talking about the "little doctors with their suitcases." Major parenting victory.