Monday, November 3, 2008

I need peace of mind...

My 3 year old baby has been scheduled for surgery. He will be having his tonsils, adenoids, and remaining (ear) tube removed. Simply stated, I am terrified. It was nervewracking enough when he was 11 months old and went in for his tubes, an outpatient surgery; this time it's serious enough that they will be keeping him (and me!) overnight. It has been tentatively scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving...

How do I talk with Sean about it and make him comfortable with the thought of being in hospital and having an operation, when I am so scared? I know that the chance of anything serious happening is slim, I know that it's - generally speaking - a routine surgery, but the thought of my tiny boy (because he is still that tiny boy to me) being put under and operated on makes me sick to my stomach.

I really do like his ear (nose and throat...) doctor, I do. But when he started talking about the surgery, the recovery and how much pain Sean will be in, I wanted to punch him. How dare he do that to my baby!!! The thought of it has dominated my mind all day and, after my initial flood of tears, I have been on the verge of tears ever since it was scheduled. I know that it is a good decision, a necessary decision, but that doesn't make me any less of a nervous wreck.

4 comments:

Liz said...

i feel for you. thats how i felt with the thought of Jacks surgery although his has been postponed until 14 months...thats just that much longer i get to freak about it. Is he having the surgery at a children's hospital? If so check out their website. They may have some resources for talking to kids. I know our Children's hospital has a story to go along with pics of where the kids will be for surgery. Huge hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you are dealing with this (and him too!) but have faith that all will go well. If you trust your doctor and hospital, be brave and positive for your son. If he senses your fear it will make him anxious. You are doing this to spare him years of sickness and discomfort, right? Focus on that and on the blessing that you live in a place where he can get the care he needs.
As far as talking to him about it, I find that reading children's books on the subject helps open up the conversation and introduce the idea that he's not alone. Maybe that will help. Best wishes to you!

Anonymous said...

Awww, poor Sean and poor Melly. When will the surgery be? Just keep in mind that it's a seemingly necessary step to keep him healthier and happier in the long run. Keep me posted on things and let me know if there's anything I can do! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

oh man, that would be so hard! I will pray for you guys!