Thursday, April 9, 2009

We're Home!




Man oh man, what a day. We were up and at 'em at 4 am and out the door by 4:30. We checked into the hospital at 5:15, and Seth was starving half to death by then, if you asked him. After he got all set up for surgery, it was time for us to go the pre op holding area, but only one parent was allowed to go back with him, so I was on my own with Seth for about an hour.

Seth ended up falling asleep, which I know was thanks to all of those prayers for peace going out to him! I was able to pass him off to the anesthesiologist fast asleep, which they said is very rare. He was in surgery for just over two hours, and when his surgeon came to talk to us, he smiled a huge smile at us and said "It could not have gone any better! Want to see the X Rays?" He took my back to the recovery room and showed me the X Ray of Seth's newly bionic head with the implants and the electrode arrays swirling through his cochleas. He stated several times how well everything went, which was awesome to hear.



Soon after Seth got to recovery, he started vomiting blood. Apparently during surgery, some blood can drain down the throat and as the stomach doesn't tolerate blood very well, it's got to come back up somehow. He had a really rough time for a couple of hours, but after they gave him some anti-nausea meds through is arterial line, he was able to relax and rest.



We're back home now, and Seth is not feeling well. At all. He's in a lot of pain and looks a little bit like Princess Leia with his bun hairdo going on. He's had some bleeding, which is to be expected, and he is having a really hard time resting. We're trying to set him up to sleep in a way that his head is elevated so that he doesn't have anymore swelling.



Overall, the surgery was a major success. I am so glad we did both ears at once...seeing how much pain he is in I would have really struggled having to take him back and do this all over again. His activation day is set for May 4th! That's the day the implants will be turned on and he'll be able to hear!



I can't even express how much everyone's prayers have meant to us. There were several times throughout the day that I felt literally lifted up by all of you. When Seth and I were waiting for him to head back to surgery, I just felt so much peace and communion with God....Seth was asleep in my arms and I just felt like we were being surrounded.

I have some specific prayer requests for tonight if anyone is available. =) As I said, Seth is in a lot of pain, and he's only on tylenol. We want to pray for Seth's pain to ease naturally so that he can rest, as he has not really gotten much productive rest this evening. We want to pray that his bleeding and swelling slow down...we don't want a return hospital visit.

But most of all, we are praying prayers of thanksgiving tonight! I can't tell you all the ways that I thought that Seth being 8 months old and ALREADY having bilateral cochlear implants was impossible. God has provided for Seth in a very real, tangible way, and I can't wait until Seth can use that in his very own testimony. Thanks to all of you for being part of it!

39 comments:

Deep Thinker said...

I'm glad to hear everything went well, and I hope Seth feels better soon. How do you think he'll react when he hears for the first time?

Angie said...

I just came across your blog from MckMama's site. Your story is very inspirational! I am looking forward to reading posts building up to May 4th! Best wishes!

Jennifer W. said...

Praise the Lord that everything went well! I am sorry to hear the he is in pain, and I can't even begin to imagine trying to sleep with all the gauze on his poor head!! Anyway, we will keep praying that things keep getting better-the pain, the bleeding, and the healing. Can't wait till activation!
Jen

Amy B said...

I have been thinking about you and Seth all day. I know today was a wonderful but hard day for all of you. I can not wait to hear the news of how things go when he hears for the first time. What a blessing.
Praying for sweet Seth tonight..and mom and dad ..

Cheryl @ On the Old Path said...

Hi I have been lurking for a while but wanted you to know that Seth is in our prayers, I am praying for relief from the pain, and I am praising our King with you tonight so glad all went well. Looking forward to May 4th. Blessings to you all!

Anonymous said...

You son is beautiful! It hurts me that Seth is only on Tylenol. I know there must be a medical reason, but I doubt even an adult could stand surgery without pain meds. I am praying for your sweet little guy!

E @ Scottsville said...

Praying for him now and can't wait for the next updates!!!!

Carrie said...

So wonderful to hear things went smoothly and he is home! I pray that he will recover quickly from his pain and swelling and that the much-awaited day of May 4th will come with little anxiety, lots of hope and joy!!!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful journey and what's to come!

Sonya said...

Praying that Seth feels better and soon!! I am glad that the surgery went so well.

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

I am so happy to hear it went so well. I am praying for peace and rest for you all tonight!!

Anonymous said...

I'm loving this post. I'm beyond excited and happy for Seth and your entire family. God moves in gracious ways!

I'm so glad you did both ears at the same time, I would probably do that to. you know kids and association :D

We are constantly praying for Seth and your entire family. My 1-year old Matthew always see's Seth's picture on my screen and signs "friend." I hope one day, by way of chance and faith, that they do meet! What a beautiful inspiration you all are!

Analiza

Melissa G said...

Praise God! I'm so happy for you all! I've got tears in my eyes. I'm just so thankful that you were able to feel the Lords presence and were at peace as well as Seth being peaceful. God is good.

Michele Williams said...

Praise the Lord! I'm so glad to hear he is doing well. We continue to pray for him. So glad to meet you. You have a beautiful family. God bless you....

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

SO glad to hear how well it went - hope you guys made it through the night peacefully.

4 Lettre Words said...

Glory be to God!!

I'm so glad that everything went well. You all remain in our prayers, El!

Happy 1st Easter to Mr. Seth!!!

Windy said...

AMAZING! I am so happy for you guys. I can't wait to help celebrate next Saturday! Praying for the smoothest of transitions into the hearing world for Seth!!! Praise God!!

Kameron said...

I am so happy the surgery went well. I can't believe he only gets Tylenol, that seems like torture. I will pray for his comfort and yours, El. :o)

Madison Sanders said...

I read this before I went to bed last night but was too tired to comment.

Glad it's over. I prayed that Seth would have a peaceful night's sleep. I can't believe all they give him was Tylenol. Was it Tylenol with Codeine?

tomandcheryl said...

His activation date is the day before my birthday. It's a very VERY good day! I can't wait to see a picture of his face when he hears something. Goodluck the next few days. I really hope he isn't in too much more pain. Poor little guy. He is such a tooper.
~Cheryl

Sara said...

I'm glad the surgery went so well! Praying that he will be able to rest and that he will heal quickly.

Mrs. Granberry said...

Always praying for you!! God is awesome!!!!

Mikki Black said...

Of course you have our prayers. What a cheerful little guy you have...Hang in there, and he'll be himself again soon!

Taking Heart said...

I am so happy for you, your family and Seth... God is good! You are all in inspiration!

Unknown said...

Yay! I'm so glad that everything went well. Seth rocks!

Unknown said...

I'm glad all went well. I know how it feels seeing your baby after a surgery....it's awful....cause they don't know what to do with their pain.
That pic of your hubby reminded me our son's surgery night. We took turns holding him (in a very uncomfortable rocking chair) ALL NIGHT LONG because it's the only way he could relax and sleep!

Blessings to you all...and quick healing!

The Skinny on Getting Thinny said...

What an amazing story! I am a speech language pathology assistant in California and I have seen CI work so well for children! I am so excited that Seth will be able to have the gift of hearing! It is AMAZING that God has given Doctors this talent. I will be praying for you! Email me if you have any questions:) Emilykatenickerson@gmail.com

Praying for God's provision and will.
Emily

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Sooo glad everything went so well. Praying that Seth heals just as quickly as everything else has fallen in place for him!
Praise the Lord, HE IS RISEN!
Jill

Amie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rose said...

I am so happy that things went well! Tears of joy coming from Sarasota, and prayers that Seth can settle down and rest.

by: Allison said...

Thinking of yall today and hope Seth heals quickly. Have a great Easter weekend and if you have time keep us updated.

Julie said...

What sweet pics. SO glad that everything went well. Vomiting blood would scare me...and break my heart. I'm sure it is difficult seeing him pain. I will be praying that he heals quickly!

Heather said...

I am so happy for Seth and your entire family! It sounds as though everything went smoothly, and it is wonderful that the surgeon was so positive and encouraging. I will pray for a speedy recovery for Seth, and that he will be pain free! Can't wait until May 4th! God bless your family, and Happy Easter!

Lauren said...

Praying that Seth has some comfort. So glad to hear the surgery was so successful!

Michele said...

I am so happy that everything went well. He is very much in our thoughts and prayers! What a little love! God bless you all very much! Have a very Happy Easter.

Laura said...

I am so thankful all went well. I hope Seth is more comfortable - only Tylenol!!! Could he not have Motrin? It would help with the swelling too.

BeLoVed AiMeE said...

Praise the Lord. So glad that the surgery went well. Praying Seth is able to get some rest and that there is no more swelling and bleeding. Can't wait til May 4th!!!

Eyeglasses & Endzones said...

Praise God that everything has gone better then expected! He is such a precious little guy and I know how much it hurts to see your little man in pain! I just love all the snuggly pictures of him and the sweet princess lea buns...they are adorable!

Still praying for a speedy recovery and May 4th will be on the horizon FAST!

Joy said...

Ugh. The pain. Robbie struggled as well (even though he had morphine, not stuck with crappy Tylenol) but he did get "over the hump" about 3am and then it was like magic. All better.

I hope Seth gets there soon.. Still praying for you guys!!

CONGRATS on being done.

Angela said...

I am so glad he was asleep when you handed him off because that is a really hard part of babies having surgery! Praise God!

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