Buddy Bee has had 5 infections (ear/sinus) in 3 months. It basically came down to a trip to the doctor, a 10 day antibiotic, and within 2-3 days of stopping we are back at the doctors with another infection. We first thought it might be allergies but with trying a few things from the allergist it was determined it was most likely not allergies. It was at the 2nd trip to the ENT where they tested his hearing. Buddy Bee was way below what his hearing should be. Normal is between 10-20 and Buddy Bee was not hearing until high 30’s. We never even noticed it, but sitting in that hearing test and not seeing him respond to the sound until it was turned up so loud was disheartening. The doctor even said to me, “ He talks really loudly”….I thought it was just him being a 2 year old. They also tested for fluid in his ears which, there was. They recommended surgery to put tubes in his ears and also to remove his adenoids…..this was all on Wednesday and Friday morning we were to arrive at the hospital at 6 (leaving the house at 4:30) for surgery.
The night before his 3rd surgery, Buddy Bee got a special dinner of chicken nuggets, kiwi, noddles, and salad.
His little 2 year old self was oblivious to what was coming in the morning.
The next morning, Buddy Bee arrived at the hospital proudly showing off his new truck from Daddy.
All Buddy Bee could talk about all day was about his new truck from his Daddy.
Watching a movie before surgery.
And we couldn't forget blankie and the special fringe.
When the truck, movie, and blankie became boring we moved onto the sink full of water.
Before Mommy was ready we were heading down to surgical prep.
Buddy Bee requested to keep his shoes on for the surgery...Silly little Buddy Bee requests.
We met with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and soon Buddy Bee was given a medication to relax and moved into surgery.
An hour and a half later I able to hold my little boy again. The surgery went perfect. I always dread Buddy Bee coming off of anesthesia . It’s a horrible experience and this time was no exception. Buddy Bee screams, kicks, bites, tries to rip out his IV, throws himself around when he first wakes up from surgery…..just a horrible experience for us both. The nurses were quick with the pain medication and within a hour, a horrible hour, he was asleep again.
What the surgeon found during the surgery was much worse than originally thought. Buddy Bee had just finished an antibiotic this week and the doctor was shocked at how bad of an infection he still had. The surgeon found that his ears and everything were just full of puss and all kinds of nastiness. His adenoids were the same. On a scale of 4 being the worst (over large and infected adenoids) Buddy Bee's were a 3.
We moved back to his hospital room and when he woke up he was upset but doing much better.
His Daddy couldn't be there in person but to Buddy Bee his new truck from Daddy was the next best thing.
Post surgery crazy hair.
Buddy Bee was starving!
Skyping with Daddy!
A few hours later we were back home. We had many moments with tears but I could see a glimmer of our boy coming back among the tears.
The next day, this little cutie returned to us! Even though our boy just had surgery we could tell he was starting to feel better. I can't imagine how much better I would feel if a ton of infection was removed from my ears and throat. He also surprised us with several new words and phrases since surgery. I can't help but think it was a result of the surgery Andrew and I are so hopeful his hearing has returned to full.
And by the second day post surgery this little boy returned.
Buddy Bee adores these boots and wears them ALL the time....they are on the wrong feet though.
Time will tell how this surgery will change our lives....we are hopeful. It is crazy to think that our 2.5 year old has already had 3 surgeries in his little life.
