Today, Kamdyn had a pre-op appointment with the anesthesiology peeps. They weren't kidding when they said the appointment takes 2 hours. For real. I answered a ton of questions. Medicines. Dosage, which I never know. I have to bring her meds along on surgery day. Family history. All the usual. Since we were talking about her last ENT appointment, I asked about the results from her neck x-ray. I knew when she didn't answer right away, that there was something. So she tells me that they found a thickened area in the airway. It's hard to remember now, but I believe her words were that when Kamdyn flexes her neck forward, her airway closes. I couldn't get many details, because, first of all, I was a little caught off guard, but it also isn't their department, and I needed to talk to the ENT.
On the way home, I felt so terrible and sick over the whole thing. The thought of handing Kamdyn over for this procedure, suddenly brought up so many dormant emotions that I had 2 years ago, when we were preparing to hand Kamdyn over for open heart surgery. Thinking back today, I realized how numb I was during those days 2 years ago. Looking back now, I can say that I was literally in survival mode. Thankfully, Kamdyn never did need that open heart surgery, but I was surprised by my reaction today to all of those old emotions.
Then, I found myself being really upset, because I can't understand why nobody thought to let us know about this new found abnormality in her airway. The ENT's office eventually called back and the doctor said that she saw the report and noticed the abnormality, but she didn't think it was a problem. The whole thing still irritates me, because I feel like my trust in that doctor is a little scarred now. I would rather be told, even if it's not a big deal. It's still an abnormality. Plus, I pretty much received two opposite reports, one concerning, the other no biggie. I will be doing some of my own research and talking with the doctor more about this.
In the meantime, Kamdyn's tubes procedure is still scheduled for May 30. She failed her hearing test at her April 30 appointment, and I believe that her hearing has been compromised for quite some time now. I wasn't given any promises that her hearing will return to normal, although they are hopeful. Of course, I'm a little worried about that, as well. For the procedure, the anesthesiologist said that they always prefer not to insert an IV or breathing tube, but given Kamdyn's respiratory history and air way abnormality, it is a possibility. The ENT also said that while Kamdyn is under, she will examine her airway better and find out more about the airway abnormality.
In the grand scheme of things, tubes is seriously no big deal. We've done it twice with Austin. This past time, he walked off with the nurse, dragging his blankie behind him, as we waved. But I have no doubts that handing Kamdyn over will be a whole different story. Partly from the extra concerns, and partly, because this will be a reminder of Kamdyn's early days, when I felt so uncertain about her health. But today, I can say that I am thankful for a happy, healthy little girl.
And some pictures from our Mommy/Daughter anesthesiologist appointment day:
Hello bed head in the car:
Hello falling back to sleep 10 minutes before we arrive, after an hour drive:
Hello hospital:
Hello anesthesia office:
Hello Hershey Kiss shaped light posts:
Hello roller coaster that my husband is dying to ride:
Hello Chocolate World Tour:
Hello Mommy and me time:
Hello rows and rows of candy:
Hello coffee:
Hello happy girl eating a Reece's peanut butter chip cookie:
Hello chocolate syrup:
It's really a bank, but I don't think she knew.
"Mmmm, how do I get this thing up to my mouth?"
Oh my goodness! Gotta love the conflicting reports. The ENT would be the person most experienced in airway issues, but it might not hurt to talk to an actual anesthesiologist. I cannot believe they never bothered to inform you! Ellie has had 3 sets of tubes and one other surgery and her neck was never x-rayed and now I wonder if it should have been. Anyway, it is good that while Kamdyn is under they are going to check out her airway. I am sorry that everything is so uncertain now. . . nothing like causing mama anxiety. {{{HUGS}}}
ReplyDeleteYa, I'd be a little annoyed if the Doctors didn't mention something like that to me too. Whether they think it's a big deal or not, they should have to at least mention it to the parents! I will be thinking of you guys May 30th and praying all goes well with Kamdyn :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of her in the little pink hat, too cute :)
I just melted on my seat looking at how beautiful she is. Really and truly. And I'd be super annoyed too. That is not the way you want to hear something like that, even if the ENT doesn't think it's a big deal. Glad her ears are finally big enough for tubes. I'm sure I'll be reading about you guys between now and then, but we'll think good thoughts. (By the way, Cora's anesthesiology pre-stuff took about 10 minutes on the phone. Weird. Maybe because she'd been under anesthesia before they had fewer questions.)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I know with tubes, they don't usually need to put the head back in the position that wold cause a neck issue. I'm guessing that since they are considering a breathing tube for her, they wanteto make sure her spine wa ok. The appointment was seriously long. First, a nurse. Then, a PA, who asked a ton of questions and documented everything. Ha took longer, since she had to ask, type, ak, type. Finally, the actual doctor. I think they just want to make sure they are very thorough, since she will have a completely different team on surgery day than what w saw at the appointment.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating with the conflicting doctors!!! Hopefully you will get some more definitive answers when they check out her airway during the procedure. I will be praying those tubes work and her hearing improves!!!
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