House of Four Krauses: Eliza's surgery

On Wednesday September 11th we took Eliza to American Family Children's Hospital to have ear tubes put in and her adenoids taken out. After several months and routine ENT check ups it was decided that there had been too many ear and sinus infections and surgery was the answer to helping Eliza. Kevin and I thought about it for awhile. I talked with many of my friends whose children had had the procedure done. Every single one of them said they would do it again. So we decided to move forward.

In the days leading up many people asked how I was doing with everything. And the truth of the matter is I was relieved that we were hopefully at the end of all of the infections and antibiotics. I wanted Eliza to feel better and not have to take all of the medication. I think that Kevin and I were both very at peace with our decision.

Eliza did go under general anesthesia for the procedure. Children's Hospital was phenomenal in their preparation of us. They fully explained everything to us several different times. I was able to carry Liza back into the OR and hold her while the anesthesiologist administered a grape flavored mask. After I helped lay her on the table I was escorted out of the OR. There was never a doubt in my mind that I was leaving her in the best capable hands. There was also never a doubt that the surgery would be anything but positive.

Coming out of the anesthesia was a little tough for Liza. But after some pain meds and liquids she opened her eyes. The procedure itself took about 45 minutes or so. We were probably at the hospital for about 4 hours total. Liza slept most of the day Wednesday. She required a lot of snuggling and rocking Thursday morning but by Thursday afternoon she was back to playing and eating crackers.

Now that we are a week later she is back to being her sassy little self. I am hopeful that having the surgery will bring positive results so we can stop seeing the pediatrician and pharmacist so much. Only time will tell.