We have been blessed. Four wonderful children that are healthy and happy. Hospitals are not part of our daily/weekly/monthly basis. We go to the doctor for normal sickness and well visits. We have been blessed.
Monday, we ventured out of our normal comfort zone and experienced surgery on our oldest one. Noelle had her tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in both ears. Very routine surgery done all the time. Done on my baby, it takes on a new meaning.
We talked about it and discussed what was going to happen. Noelle was fully aware and put on a brave face. Sometimes she brushed it off and did not want to discuss it, especially when I tried to delicately explain the pain aspect of her recovery. She did not want to know that it was going to hurt. All in all, we were prepared and ready.
Aunt CC came down Sunday night to be there for the other three so that Tom and I could be there for our Noelle Rose. She brought baby Maizey, of course, to help entertain the troops and learn how to be chaotic from her older cousins. Both of us being present and focusing all our attention on Noelle was important to us and having Charlotte at our house gave us peace of mind.
We left early Monday morning. The drive was quiet and my nerves were beginning to get frazzled. We talked with Noelle about everything but the surgery. She was nervous, we could see the tension in her petite body. Upon arrival she chose to bring her bear and two blankets in. This was a big decision as Special Puppy sat in the car. Bear, of course, was bigger and more comfortable to lay on. Bear was even given a hospital bracelet, this was exciting stuff for a six year old!
Waiting was quick and we were ushered back. Noelle put on her hospital gown and laid comfortably in the bed. Tom and I did our best to project calmness and normality. We joked and laughed while waiting her turn. When the time came to wheel her back, she was serine. I expected tears and drama, but none was had. We hugged and kissed her goodbye. She smiled, squeezed us and was carted away. Tom and I were in shock at the lack of fear and made our way to the waiting room.
We got coffee and found seats. It was a calm wait. Noelle was in good hands. To be honest, we had about an hour of “us” time. We held hands, talked, and actually enjoyed ourselves. Yes, our baby girl was being operated on, but we knew it was going to be okay and this was for the best.
The hour flew by and the surgeon came to talk to us, stating that everything went well. There was thick mucus in her ears, causing the hearing loss, her adenoids looked to be chronically infected, and the tonsils were indeed very enlarged. All in all, the surgery needed to be done. Noelle was not up from the anesthesia yet, but as soon as she was the nurse would come get us.
I was relieved and just wanted to go to my baby. It seemed like a long time, but soon our name was called. I bolted from my seat, eager to see my baby. She was awake. She was out of it, eating a popsicle with blood pooled in her ears, corners of mouth, and nose. It was a sight to a mother, but she was okay. We held her hands and talked a bit. Her voice was slurred and she mumbled about random things. When she was able to get a coherent thought out she commented on how loud everything sounded. The beating of the heart monitor and our voices were loud, hurting her ears. It made me smile, as I knew she was in for a whole her level of loud when we got home!
I looked at her, imagining the surgery and the pain she would be soon experiencing when the anesthesia would wear off. I’m not a squeamish person, but glancing at the blood around her ears and nose set me off. I had to sit down and gather myself. I couldn’t get the thought of a breathing tube down my baby’s throat and the cutting out of her tonsils out of my mind. When it comes to my children I want to experience and take away their pain and suffering, go through what they are experiencing and shield them from all the bad. This is a typical “mom” thought, and I was in the depths of it. It took a few minuets but I was able to shake it off and squeeze Noelle’s delicate hand. Her slender fingers gripped mine and her head rested on her bear.
After filling prescriptions and getting all the necessary directions, we were discharged. Noelle wanted to be carried out, instead of riding in the wheel chair. Tom picked her up and I saw a squeeze that was deep and meaningful as we walked to the car. Noelle soon fell asleep and we drove home making gentle turns, while being careful not to speed and cause a possible bout of vomit.
We settled in at home, said goodbye to Aunt CC and began the healing process. The first day was rough, as the pain started to set in. Pain medication was a battle, tasting completely gross, but needed. I expected the worst, prayed for extreme patience and prepared to bring forth my inner Super Mom. I wanted to be able to give Noelle the attention she needed while not neglecting the other three. IT was a balance I was ready to take on.
Noelle was strong. For a little girl who over reacts from a simple scraped knee, blew away all expectations. She was tough, really truly tough. Taking the pain with minimal complaints and a strength beyond her years. On the third day of recovery she developed a fever and a cough. The cough and fever mimicked a virus that had been going rampant through our house. She would have a coughing fit and wince in pain. I rushed to her side and she reassured me that she was okay, “don’t worry Mom, I’m okay.” Her poise brought strength to me. An unexpected turn of roles.
Each day Noelle continues to do better. The pain is still there, when the medicine wears off. Noelle has done remarkably well and seems to have enjoyed her time at home. The crying and screaming that is a constant in the house bothered her immensely at first, but she seems to be getting used to it. Zane is very loud, and when he has a fit I see Noelle run off into her room with her hand protectively shielding her ears. She is finding more and more foods that go down with minimal wincing. It is an uphill swing we are on and my girl is one brave and strong swinger!
