I just couldn't help myself. If projected events occur, and nothing more, we will have experienced seven surgeries, six stays in the hospital and countless (unless I spend much time going through calendars) medical appointments and procedures in 21 months. It's really a bit dizzying. I had been tempted to count these things before but decided it wouldn't be emotionally healthy. After today's doctor's appointments, however, curiosity got hold of me.
Joshua is having his wisdom teeth surgically removed on Wednesday. James is having his deviated nasal septum fixed this fall, and Jason is having his tonsils removed near the same time.
I do have to chuckle to (at) myself. For somebody who long ago chose to philosophically and practically debunk mainstream medicine in the United States, I am sure being thoroughly steeped in it. Things do have a way coming (and going) 'round, don't they?
How am I feeling about all this? Ok. Really ok, except for a pretty heavy sadness for Jason. He is doing so well right now. He is not what he was before his April hospital stay, but he is sure closer than ever before. Thinking practically, I am absolutely on board with his upcoming tonsillectomy. His tonsils have increased a lot just in two month's time. His sleep apnea is worse than any sibling before him, except Elizabeth. The doctor was concerned about swelling during the normal course of an upper respiratory infection because the tonsils are already obstructive. This surgery is necessary, and is so soon. My heart breaks, though, for him. This will be the third surgery in his young life and the fifth hospital stay, excluding outpatient. I fear that he will be so panicked, and that we will lose ground with his emotional and social well-being.
One of Joshua's wisdom teeth is dramatically misplacing the molar in front of it. Removal is necessary. James' septum is quite deviated and just adds to his already allergy compromised nasal space. He is nearly seventeen and chose this for himself. I am rock solid emotionally with these guys. They are big enough to go in with reason and understanding, and to come out without emotional scars.
Adding a post script that should have gotten its own post, but now is a sort of afterthought: Nancy has one ear with fluid behind the eardrum that won't drain. John was able to convince the pediatrician to hold off sending us to a specialist (who is predicted to recommend a tube) 30 days longer than he wanted, but that time will end in two weeks. I really do NOT want to put a tube in her ear. She has not had ear trouble before, and the tube just seems too dramatic. However, her hearing is impaired right now, and I know that somehow that ear needs to drain. If you have faced this, and have a great suggestion, please let me know. (Susie, if you are out there, I'm sure thinking of you on this one.)
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2 comments:
One has to wonder about our family. We seem to have many health problems, some of which no one ever heard of before. One thing I have learned through the crises is that carrying heavy burdens usually makes one stronger, if not in body, in spirit. I also ache for Jason particularly, but he is strong already and I am sure he will be blessed through his trials.
I'm sorry about all the hospital visits and stays. Sometimes that seems to happen. My sisters father-in-law actually got TB. We all had to get shots to be tested. The office is still going through his 3 page list of all who he has came in contact with. My dad, brother, Stephen & stephens brother all has a stran of the virus. No one can get it from them, just from the father-in-law who is under isolation. I have to be retested in october to make sure that i really don't have it. So I'm there for you.
Also with Nancy - my brother, Gary, had tubes in his ears. It was the first time he got to hear clearly in his life. Call my mom, she'll tell you about the process and all that she went through with him. I think the tubes worked great and they eventually came out on their own.
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