Why did we do it?
First off, this wasn't something we wanted to do. But this kid went through 3 bouts of strep throat and antibiotics before the pediatrician said no more! Her little body can't handle that much. Plus, according to the specialist we were sent to, she had very large tonsils. Probably why she snored so heavily. And SO loud! You have to understand why and truly be on board with it before agreeing to it. Her tonsils took up a huge part of the back of her throat. There was no escaping the need. No coming up with excuses and putting it off.
Stock up on all the essentials.
Since she could only eat soft things for up to 10 days, Popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, pudding and jello were the top items to get. She didn't like jello or pudding, so we stuck with the other things. Then you might consider things like broth - but remember it has to be served cooled/room temperature. I also got Pedialyte to make sure she got some nutrients. Aside from that, water is the best thing she can drink for a while.
We scheduled it right before the Thanksgiving week break so that she only had to miss a day and a half from school. Didn't want to get into trouble or have her falling behind in her studies while she was recovering. Recovery is for 10 days. Whether your child has school or you have work - schedule accordingly! I found that talking to the teacher ahead of time was a huge help. If needed, they can provide school work to keep your kiddo up to speed.
Have someone available to help.
I strive to be a Wonder Mom every day. It is not easy - that's for sure. It can be so tiring at times. And after something like this, you need someone to tag team for a day. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning, even though her surgery was scheduled for 7:30 (and didn't get under way until 8). So we had to get up at 4:30 in the morning. Then after her surgery, we stayed for her 4 hour observation period. By the time we got home, I was exhausted. I could barely keep my eyes open. Thankfully, my husband took the night off and happily watched the kids while I laid down for a nap. Remember that it is not only because we are waking so early, but the stress can wear you out too.
At other times, her siblings tried to keep her company and have been helping her when she asks for something. Even my boys have been spoiling their little sister - and they are usually the ones arguing with her!
I can't tell you how difficult this has been. On the fifth day since her surgery and this girl has been really begging for other foods. She almost tricked me into letting her have a chip. Talk about wanting to pull my hair out! I have finally gotten graphic in my responses. Talking about having to go back for more surgery wasn't cutting it. So I had to go into detail. "You eat these foods, you could rip out your stitches. You will bleed a lot and I have to take you back to the hospital where they do more surgery. Then you miss Thanksgiving dinner. AND miss out on more than 2 days of school." Harsh, right? But she needed the wake up call. She was asking for chicken nuggets, chips, sandwiches, fries... Yes, these things smell so good and make our mouths water - BUT - NO! So steel yourself. It will come and you will want to cave at those big baby eyes, pleading for mercy and begging for something they can't have. But be strong. Say no.
Have fun with it!
My daughter started begging for regular foods without 3 hours of her surgery. And every time since that I made the family something that she wanted, she made comments about how good it smelled or how she wanted some "so bad!". My husband got to the point where he would sit there and take a bite while closing his eyes and saying, "Mmmm". Now before you tell me how cruel this is, remember that for the week before her surgery, she did nothing but talk about how she was going to eat Popsicles and ice cream every single day while we had to eat vegetables! My, how the tables have turned... Now she can't wait to have those home cooked dinners.
I hope you don't have to deal with such things. They can be so exhausting and stressful. But if you do, I hope this list of helpful hints makes it just a little bit easier for you!
Yes. And for years to come she will think twice about ice cream and pop cycles. I had a child eat a whole bag of gummie worms on a girls trip. Between all that sugar and car sickness, she got so ill on those things. Still to this day she won't "choose" to eat gummies. And you had your surgery at 2 years old. Days after you turned 2.
ReplyDeleteI'm like that with coconut and jelly beans. One week of VBS cured me of them for the most point. I thought I was older? I remember the popsicle part of it.
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