Jefferson vs. Surgery - Round 3

Jefferson has had some pretty big surgeries since coming home. And, he had some pretty big surgeries in China. This poor little boy has been operated on more times than anyone else in our family, combined... and then some.

So, we didn't take the decision to undergo another surgery, the third this year, lightly. But, over the summer it became clear that his body wasn't going to step up and fill in the gaps like we had hoped after his spring surgery. Additional work needed to be done to help get him to a place of continuous good health, not to mention to relieve him of constant discomfort.

Unfortunately, this was his biggest surgery yet. Though we expected him to be in the hospital three to four days, complications meant his stay was six days. But, the good news... no, the great news... the results have been a great success! Jefferson will not need another surgery any time in the near future, maybe not ever. Woo!

We checked in the day before the surgery so Jefferson could have an NG tube placed to clean out his system. This was probably his least favorite thing of the whole ordeal. He was angry at everyone for the rest of the day and only cheered up when his sister came to visit and watch Frozen with him.

 Getting checked into the room.

Cool teddy bear, unlimited TV, and no NG tube yet.

 

Found his smile when the sisters came.

 

The morning of the surgery, he got a little play time in before they came to take him down in a wheel chair. The wheel chair was huge, but he was excited to ride in it, so long as mommy pushed it and not the nurses. He stopped trusting the nurses after the NG tube. He would cover his nose when they came near.

 

In post-op, he had the same recovery nurse that was there for his last surgery. She remembered him (wow! even with so many patients that come in and out) and had his orange popsicle waiting for him.



 

 Morning smiles

 

 Orange popsicle ready and waiting!

 

 Cuddling with toys from Uncle David.

 

The days post-surgery were very tough. Jefferson's intestines slowed way down. Whenever he ate even small bites of food, his stomach would swell. Much of our stay was waiting for him to be able to eat again and managing pain with medicine through his IV.

 

We noticed while we were there that the toys had become a little run down and pieces misplaced since our last visit. Fortunately, we know people. Toy people. The third day Jefferson was in the hospital Melinda brought a couple big boxes of reinforcements.

 

Jefferson tested them out.

 Lots of clear liquids (popsicles!) and movies.

 

The kids loved visiting Jefferson as often as they could. Eleanor became an expert as using the GI departments ostomy doll. She reaffirmed her desire to be a nurse or doctor when she grows up and take care of all the sick kids and babies. The hospital gave us an extra MIC-KEY, and Matt conducted "surgery" on one of her dolls at home. So, she now has her own and Jefferson feels cool because he matches Eleanor's baby.



 

 This baby is in good hands.

 

 Sister snuggles

 

 Dad and Grandpa visiting Jefferson

during art time

 

 Jefferson wanted to try working on Mommy's project.

 

 He improved it dramatically.

 

Happy face when he could finally eat again!

Time to bust free!

 

Our time in the hospital was long, but we are so grateful for all the doctors and nurses, even if Jefferson gave them lots of stink eyes. And, we're so thankful for friends from church that helped with food. But, we are MOST incredibly grateful for Aunt Sally who rearranged her schedule to drive down from Northern California to help out. It was because of her we were able to eat meals, shower, and get the rest of the kids where they needed to be. She stayed with Jefferson once he was home and we needed to be back at work. We're not sure we would have made it through this week with sanity in tact if it wasn't for her help. She was our real life hero. Thank you!