Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Hello to all. It has been sometime since I posted on the blog but I wanted to update everyone on Clay's non procedure yesterday. As some of you know Clay was scheduled for his first surgery of the new school year on Monday the 12th. The doctor planned to place a tissue expander under his scalp to start the process of covering his head with hair, work on his left hand to open up the webbing and increase the use of his fingers, and work in and around the mouth and chin to release some scar bands that continually pull his lower lip down and prevent him from opening his mouth very wide. To sum it up quickly, it did not happen. We arrived at Children's hospital in Dallas at 7:00 a.m. Clay was quickly checked in and we went to the pre-op room to wait our turn. Clay loves the hospital because it offers some amenities he is not accustomed to at home (Cartoons) Clay watched and waited patiently and contentedly for over three hours until his doctor came in to prep and analyze him for surgery. When the doctor entered the room Clay's demeanor changed instantly and he realized the fun was over. As the doctor left and the nurse prepared to wheel him to the O.R. Clay told Deidra and I that he felt sick. We assured him it was just nerves and he would be fine. We told him it was just like all the other times and he would go to sleep and we would be at his bed when he awoke. The older he gets the more he dreads the procedures. They wheeled him of to the OR and Deidra and I went down stairs for a cup of coffee. We no more ordered our drinks and were seated when I received a call saying the physician needed to see us. We rushed back up and the surgeon met us and said there was nothing to worry about but Clay had become sick at his stomach upon the onset of anesthesia. He was of the opinion it was nerves and wanted to proceed but the anesthesiologist would not proceed with the surgery for fear of aspiration if Clay was ill again. Procedure canceled. We were told they wanted to observe Clay for a few hours to make sure he was OK. When we went in the recovery room he was more than OK. He was sitting up ready to eat Jello, Popsicles, Apple Juice, Etc. and asked when we could go eat and go home. We asked him if he was nervous about surgery and he said yes and he thought if they put the expander in his scalp he might not be able to swim at spring break. Mom told him if we did not have this done now he may miss an entire summer of swimming. We are waiting on a new schedule, apparently O.R. time stays pretty booked. We are going to try a different approach and premedicate in the pre-op room to see if we can ease his mind a little until they get him asleep. All things happen for a reason and apparently yesterday was not the day for Clay to have his surgery. I hope all is well in your part of the world. We will add more details and a date for round two when we learn more. Take Care.

9 comments:

  1. We hope next time will be victorious!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was thinking about you, all day Monday, and am surprised he didn't have the surgery, but understand why. Maybe things will work out for you later.
    We woke up this morning to the most welcome rain. Hope it rains for 2 weeks or more. It is going to take a lot to soak up this parched land.
    Love to all
    Bruce and Edna

    ReplyDelete
  3. Next time will be better no doubt!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh My! One never knows, especially with medical and children! I do like your attitude and outlook that it just was not the right timing and so we move on. It does sound like you have a good plan for the future as he is getting to the point of knowing what he dreads. He is one brave young one and that cannot be denied!
    Peace to you and yours!
    The Snyder's
    Gary and Jeanne'

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. *Oops, I had a typo and I had tried to just preview it the first time but it published! Let's try this again...

    It must have been frustrating to have to reschedule everything and to know you'll have to make the drive over to Dallas again, but I, too, like your idea that there must have been a reason it didn't work out that day.

    Clay is MUCH braver than I would ever be, that's for sure (and I'm sure it didn't help that he had to wait three hours! That's always tough - especially since you can't eat or drink anything!)!

    I guess these procedures never get any easier (for him or for y'all, I'm sure) no matter how many times you've been through them. Glad Clay got to enjoy some of the amenities (cartoons, popsicles, etc.), so at least the trip wasn't for naught! (Just kidding - but I *am* glad he can look on the bright side and at least see some good things about a hospital! Most people - kids & adults! - would just complain!).

    Hey, I have an idea: Maybe next time you could let him bring one of those cute cuddly little frogs to make him feel better (NOT!! Seriously - if he can face those things and TOUCH them - surgery should be a piece of cake!! I still get the heeby-jeebies sometimes when I'm trying to fall asleep and I think of those pictures!!! Eek!).

    Keep us in the loop as to when the surgery gets rescheduled. I hope the new technique of premedicating works well. Glad you have the best of the best doctors and anesthesiologists watching to make sure everything is in order.

    Sweet Clay - I didn't even stop to think that his biggest concern might be not being able to swim during spring break! I hope everything goes well.

    We went to Olney for a whirlwind day out at the One Arm Dove Hunt, & everybody out there had such nice things to say about the wonderful Fite family!! :) Of course, I'm y'all's biggest fan!!! :)

    Love to you all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. One step, one drive, one procedure, one day, we are so glad that you all continue doing what must be done and trusting the one that gives you strength to do it. Love and hugs to all!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Our thoughts are continually with you all. Sorry to hear that Clay's surgery in September was postponed, but perhaps it has since been done? We feel for him going through the numerous surgeries and know it's equally hard on you as well. Glad that He will DAILY provide strength and help carry the load we couldn't handle on our own. Keep looking up and hanging in there and keeping on! With love & care, Kent & Sharon in NH

    ReplyDelete